Qantas sale to encourage tourism in Geraldton

Qantas have released affordable airfares to Geraldton as part of their network sale.

If your friends and family have been planning their Geraldton getaway, now is the perfect time to book flights as Qantas released affordable airfares as part of their domestic network sale.

In a bid to help revive the tourism industry following the COVID-19 pandemic, Qantas’ Love Australia Sale offers affordable price points to WA regional routes including Geraldton, Broome and Exmouth.

One-way flights from Perth to Geraldton will be available from August through to October, with the sale on now and ending this Friday 10 July.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn thanked Qantas for their proactive efforts in encouraging people to travel north.

“Everyone has been extremely impacted by COVID-19 but we are doing all we can to boost our economy, especially the tourism sector,” he said.

“We’ve implemented an Economic Development Relief Recovery Strategy to help stimulate tourism and the economy in our region which has included the launch of our ‘Adventure Awaits’ campaign.

“The campaign is encouraging people to explore their own backyard and having the Coral Coast as front of mind for those travelling north.

“We applaud Qantas for offering these amazing deals to help encourage travellers to our region and to help boost many of the regions who are struggling at the moment,” he added.

Embracing Geraldton as the ‘hub’ to explore the Midwest region, the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, Pink Lake and Kalbarri are not far.

“Travelling to Geraldton and basing yourself here means you can explore some amazing places which are all in close proximity,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“While you can explore what beautiful sunny Geraldton has to offer, you can also visit our friends in Kalbarri to experience their brand new Skywalk and check out the Pink Lake along the way.

“Or take a trip to the breathtaking Abrolhos Islands.”

Bookings for the Qantas Love Australia Sale are currently open with one-way flights from Perth to Geraldton available from $159.

Travel dates for the sale are from 1 August 2020 and run through to 31 October 2020.

For bookings and further details click here.

Botanic Garden begins to grow

Friends of Geraldton Gardens Chairperson Irene Ghannage is joined by group members and volunteers as she plants the first Banksia seedling in Stage 1 of the Maitland Park Botanic Garden Project. From left to right Roxanne Grant, Cheryl Galloway, Leslie Colliver, Stan Maley, Ray Morton, City of Greater Geraldton Councillor Natasha Colliver and Member for Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney.

The staged transformation of Maitland Park into a botanic garden has begun with the first native seedlings being planted by Friends of Geraldton Gardens (FroGGs) members and volunteers on Saturday.

The first project in Stage 1 of the Maitland Park Botanic Garden Master Plan involves replacing the shrubs at the existing park entry wall with a variety of native plants to show case the Mid West’s diverse plants and wildflowers.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he was pleased to see Stage 1 of the project Council endorsed in July 2016 finally take root.

“This project which is supported by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City has been a number of years in the making and it’s great to see ‘in’ ground works finally starting to happen,” he said.

“The first step in the transformation of Maitland Park into a botanic garden featuring local native trees, shrubs and wildflowers is an excellent and sustainable use of public open space and Council is pleased to be able to support a community group’s passion.”

FroGGs Chairperson Irene Ghannage said the first plantings have successfully laid the foundation for the project.

“Since signing an MOU with the City in November 2016 to create the botanic garden, FroGGs has been growing its member base and working diligently towards this day,” she said.

“I am thrilled that the project is finally starting and we are turning our master plan into reality.

“Now that the entry wall is completed we can concentrate on the remainder of Stage one plantings which will be spectacular cross section of a few of our region’s diverse and unique flora.”

The 160 local native seedlings including Geraldton Wax and Banksias planted in an around the entry wall were provided by the Community Nursery and The Drylands Permaculture Nursery.   Everlasting wildflower seeds were also sown between the plants.

City contractor cleaning up fish kill incident at Greenough River

Community members are advised that a City of Greater Geraldton contractor is currently cleaning up a large amount of dead fish in Cape Burney along the Greenough River.

Reported last week, thousands of dead fish have washed up in the area which is currently being investigated by the Department of Water and Environment Regulation (DWER).

In a media statement from DWER, people are reminded that contact with dead fish should be avoided and the Department of Health advises against eating or handling fish found in these circumstances.

The City’s contractor is removing the dead fish which will then go to the FOGO waste stream at Meru Landfill.

You can view DWER’s full statement here.

Café installation at Midalias Beach

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the installation of a café at Midalias Beach will begin on Monday 22 June 2020 for a period of approximately three weeks.

On Sunday 21 June 2020, temporary fencing will be erected on site to ensure community safety during the works. Car parking in the immediate vicinity of the construction site may be limited during works.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Splash of colour for new development

A new mural will be painted by local artist Phil Doncon on the rear wall of a new development in Mahomets Flats.

Residents in Mahomets Flats will soon enjoy a new public art mural as part of the development taking place on Brand Highway.

Fully funded by the developers of the new service station being built between Brand Highway and Fortyn Court, local visual artist Phil Doncon has been chosen to showcase his work.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn commended the developers on adding a positive visual element to the area.

“The rear wall of the service station could have potentially looked quite stark for the residents in the area so it’s great to see the developers have been proactive in working with the City and a local artist to liven it up,” he said.

“I am looking forward to seeing the piece completed and congratulate Phil Doncon for his visual piece that will add vibrancy to the suburb.”

Set to begin this month, the design uses the notion of liquid droplets or underwater bubbles to frame and reference various historical and contemporary meanings of the area.

With a heavy focus on our beaches and coastal lifestyle, the mural also includes references to aboriginal people and country as being the first people here.

To add fun and an interactive element, there will be a raised seat camouflaged into the mural which people can sit on and be photographed.

The development was required to provide ‘visual relief’ from the rear facing blank wall to the adjacent residences.

An expression of interest for local artists to undertake the work was released in May with the evaluation completed by the Geraldton Regional Art Management Committee.

Residents in the area have been contacted about the new piece and have been invited to submit relevant words to be included in the mural.

The mural is set for completion in early July. 

Sand by-passing works in Beresford

As part of the Northern Beaches Stabilisation Programme the Mid West Ports Authority will be undertaking sand by-passing works on the Beresford Foreshore between 15 June and 19 June 2020.

During this time, sand from Pages Beach will be transported and deposited at a placement sites located opposite from Mitchell and Brown and at the Mark Street carpark.

The purpose of the sand by-passing is to feed sediment into the longshore current operating in a northerly direction along the Geraldton coastline. Through a coastal process known as littoral transport, sand by-passing provides sediment to Geraldton’s northern beaches through the action of the breaking waves and the longshore current. This approach provides a cost effective way of providing sediment to Geraldton’s northern beaches.

Traffic management will be in place to minimise the disruption to traffic in the area. Working hours will be between the hours of 7.00am to 5.30pm for duration of the works. Motorists are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

For further information on these works and the Northern Beaches Stabilisation Programme in general, contact Mr Michael Dufour at the City of Greater Geraldton (08) 9956 6600 or at council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

$7 Million Boost for Durack from Building Better Regions Fund

Drought-affected regional communities in Durack are set to receive a boost of more than $7 million of new local roads, restoration and building projects, as part of Round 4 of the Morrison Government’s highly successful Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price has congratulated the 4 successful Durack Shires with projects that are  a positive investment in the region’s future.

 “These include more than  $4 million for  the construction of the  Landor Road Strategic Regional Connector at Peak Hill in the Shire of Meekatharra, and more than $2 million for a new Visitors Stop at Gascoyne Junction”, Melissa Price said.

“These projects will drive Durack regional economic growth and support local tourism. As will more than $400 000 for Carnarvon’s recycled water pipeline upgrade and more than $100 000 for restoration of Mingenew’s historic railway station.” Ms Price said.

Communities in Durack continue to show amazing spirit and strength as they support each other through drought in some areas and I am glad to see this latest round of BBRF will provide much-needed support.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said this funding of $207 million investment under Round 4 will support 163 new infrastructure and community projects across drought-affected regional Australia .

For a full list of successful projects, please visit www.business.gov.au/bbrf

City Services Update #11: Phase 3

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise there will be various updates to City services and infrastructure from Saturday 6 June as part of the government’s phase three restrictions.

Playgrounds and skate parks:

-Will re-open on Saturday 6 June.

-Community members are reminded to be patient while City staff remove signage and other materials from each site, and to not remove it themselves.

-All playgrounds and skate parks remain closed until Saturday 6 June.

Geraldton Regional Library:

-Remains open with an increased capacity of up to 100 people and full borrowing privileges to be reinstated.

-Visits to the library are to be kept to two hours.

-There are limited public computers available with bookings strictly monitored.

-The Marine Terrace entrance has also re-opened.

-Reduced opening hours remain in place. Check out the Library website for full details.

QEII Seniors and Community Centre:

-A number of programs have been reinstated however informal visits are not permitted.

-Seniors must book to attend programs and activities.

-Contact the QEII Centre on 9956 6636 to book.

Aquarena:

-The Aquarena remains open with an increased capacity of up to 100 people.

-The leisure, 25m and hydro pools are available at all allocated times.

- Change room facilities are all open.

-Visits to the facility are to be kept to two hours.

-Bookings are only essential for the hydro pool and can be made by contacting the Aquarena on 9956 6906.

-Reduced opening hours remain in place. Check out the Aquarena website for full details.

Geraldton Regional Art Gallery

-Remains closed at this time however is planned to re-open in August with the commencement of the 2020/21 Exhibition Programme.

Queens Park Theatre:

-Remains closed and will aim to re-open with further easing of restrictions.

Geraldton Visitor Centre:

-Will be open at reduced hours until its co-location at the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery.

-Head to the City’s website for updated opening hours.

Mullewa Facilities:

-The Mullewa Library is open with full borrowing privileges reinstated, however public computers are not available.

-The Mullewa Swimming Pool remains closed.

-All public toilets in Mullewa are open.

-Mullewa Youth Centre is open with reduced hours.

Community Halls:

-Re-opening of community halls will sit with individual associations.

Sporting Ovals:

-Bookings can be submitted through the Ground Management Committee for City approval.

Event applications can be submitted to the City, but they must be within the guidelines and restrictions from authorities.

The Museum of Geraldton will also re-open this weekend, Saturday 6 June.

Community members are reminded to be patient in order for staff to ensure health and safety measures.

Please note there will be measures in place at facilities to ensure there is only 100 people at the facility at one time.

There will also be increased cleaning and hygiene measures in place.

The City’s Health Officers and Town Planning team will work with cafes, pubs, restaurants, and beauty salons and spas, to provide necessary assistance regarding the phase three restrictions around social distancing requirements and general advice for their readiness to re-open.

Further information for entertainment, hospitality and food businesses can be found at the state’s website on the Phase 3 – easing restriction FAQs.

All updates and information are being released in a timely manner as more decisions are made about facilities and services, and there will be updates on the City’s website and social media channels.

All changes to City facilities and programming can be found here.

For information on changes to regional travel restrictions, head to the state government website.  

Community health and safety has always been, and remains, a top priority for the City of Greater Geraldton as the current health crisis continues to be monitored closely and the situation changes rapidly.

Community members are reminded they can still contact the City through phone on (08)9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

City Services Update #6: Toilets re-opening

Community health and safety remains a top priority for the City of Greater Geraldton as the current health crisis continues to be monitored closely.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said the City is monitoring the rapidly changing situation very closely and making necessary changes as needed.

At this week’s Council Meeting, Councillors agreed to commence trialing re-opening some public toilets and BBQs. Ellendale Pool will re-open however playgrounds remain closed at this stage.

The following public toilets will be open from Friday 1 May 2020:

• Glendinning Park

• Back Beach

• Derna Park

• Maitland Park

• Spalding Park

• Eadon Clarke

• Foreshore West (Youth Precinct)

• Foreshore Water Park

• Batavia Marina

• Muir Park

• Pages Beach

• Rundle Park

• Drummond Cove

• Woorree Park East

• Rocks Laneway

• Rubiks Cube (Foreshore)

• Midalia Beach

Community members are reminded to do the right thing and respect the facilities in order to keep them open. 

All changes to City facilities and programming can be found here. 

Community members are reminded they can still contact the City through phone on (08)9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

ANZAC Day weekend trading hours

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to remind members of the community about retail trading hours this weekend with the ANZAC Day public holiday being in effect on Monday 27 April.

General retailers must adhere to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety’s direction and not trade on Saturday 25 April.  

Small retail shops and special retail shops are not bound by the same rules as general retailers and can trade on Saturday 25 April.

Special retail shops allowed to operate include:

• Pharmacies

• Garden nurseries

• Hardware and home improvement shops

• Newsagencies and book shops

• Video shops

• Art and craft shops

• Souvenir and duty free shops

• Shops at sport venues

• Boating shops

• Motor vehicle spare parts shops

• Shops at international standard hotels

General retailers will be open on Sunday 26 and Monday 27 April.

To lodge a small retail shop or special retail shop application please click here.

More information about extended trading hours is available at the Department of Mines, Industry Relations and Safety’s website.

WA’s First COVID-19 Respiratory Clinic Opens in Geraldton

The first GP-led respiratory clinic in WA established as part of the Australian Government’s $2.4 billion health package to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak has opened in Geraldton.

The Federal Government is establishing up to 100 GP-led respiratory clinics around the country to assess patients with mild to moderate COVID-19-like symptoms. The clinics will reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments and other local general practices.

Federal Regional Health Minister, Mark Coulton, said the Geraldton clinic, which opened today after a trial on Friday, was one of up to 100 dedicated respiratory clinics being set up across Australia as part of the Australian Government’s response to the outbreak.

“We are putting in place a range of measures including additional practice incentives and the expansion of telehealth to enable the rural medical workforce to continue to care for regional Australians through this crisis,” Minister Coulton said.

Durack MP, Melissa Price, said the local clinic is best placed to support people with fever, cough, sore throat, and other respiratory symptoms while avoiding the risk of infection in other members of the community.

“I encourage anyone in our community experiencing these symptoms to call the clinic or go online to book an appointment,” Ms Price said.

“The Federal Government has been working with local GPs and Aspen Medical - which has significant health emergency management experience in Australia and overseas - to roll out the Geraldton clinic.”

More than 260 fever clinics, jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State and Territory governments, are also in operation across Australia.

To access a clinic, people can visit health.gov.au and use the online booking system.

City takes action on Batavia Motor Inne

Increased dilapidation and safety risks at the Batavia Motor Inne site have sparked the City of Greater Geraldton taking further legal action.

Previously the City had issued a building order on the owners of the derelict and dangerous site located on Fitzgerald Street which has been vacant for years and attracting anti-social behaviour.

In 2019, the City issued the owners with a building order to demolish and secure the site fully – however no action was taken.

The owners of the site have subsequently gone into voluntarily administration and an Administrator appointed.

With no further communication, the City took legal action against the owners who have now been fined for a significant breach of the Building Act 2011.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said it was ultimately a community safety issue.

“We are very aware of the ongoing issues at the site and it needs to be properly secure in order to maintain the safety and wellbeing of our community members,” he said.

“It’s a small win for us, but hopefully it means we can see some progress on the site to get rid of the eyesore in our CBD.

“Especially given the current health crisis, we need to ensure people aren’t congregating in there which we have seen a lot of.”

Recent court proceedings have resulted in the company being fined a penalty of $25,000 and also ordered to pay the City’s costs of $1,395.40.

The City continues to work with police to alleviate ongoing vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the site.

City now confident it can bring back staff

Reassured that it has fully complied with State and Federal emergency orders and health directions to provide a safe and healthy environment for its workforce, the City of Greater Geraldton is now confident it can start to bring back staff.

Around half of its staff will return to work on Monday 20 April as the City continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation whilst working towards returning to full capacity.   

Earlier this month, the City enacted its Crisis Business Continuity Plans to ensure the safety of its employees, and the community, by putting in place the following measures to reduce the risk of the spread:

• Cancelled all events until further notice;

• Closed City run facilities;

• Reduced staffing levels at its Civic Centre to essential workers only; 

• Reconfigured its open plan layout to adhere to social distancing requirements; and,

• Tested and implemented working from home capabilities.

Buoyed by the low rates of transmission in the local area, City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said he was confident that the time was right to bring back staff.

“The health and safety of our staff and our community is, and always has been, the City’s number one priority,” he said.

“We needed to do everything we could to act responsibly, keep our staff and community safe and help slow the spread.

“We appreciate this has been a difficult time but we genuinely have the best interests of our staff and our community, at the forefront of our minds in taking the action we have.

“We would like to sincerely thank those workers who remain stood down for their understanding.

“I am quietly confident that as the curve continues to flatten, we will be in a position to bring back more staff.

“With continued signs of having the virus at bay we need to start planning for the reopening.

“We will continue to monitor State and Federal Government directives on facility operations and provide advice accordingly,” he added.

City implementing measures due to lack of cooperation

Mulch has been placed on the skate park at Glendinning Park.

Lack of cooperation from some community members will see increased measures implemented at local skate parks and playgrounds.

Last week, the City of Greater Geraldton closed playgrounds and skate parks in compliance with requirements from the state and federal authorities in the midst of the COVID-19 health crisis. 

Despite signage and roped off areas, some people are ignoring the closures, removing signage and continuing to use facilities.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said it was disappointing that some were not taking isolation requirements seriously.

“It’s unfortunate that people are disrespecting necessary requirements during this extremely difficult time,” he said.

“I urge all community members to comply with all isolation requirements so we can all get through this crisis as quickly and as healthy as possible.

“We will now be using a model adopted by many other local authorities, while it’s not something we want to do, it’s important we keep our community safe during this time.”

Mulch will be placed on the affected facilities to ensure they are not used during this time.

Mr McKim said he understood this time is particularly difficult for young children and youth, and encouraged the community to embrace other activities which are available online and in digital formats.

“It goes without saying that it is extremely hard to stay inside and practice social distancing during this time,” he said.

“We recognise this is a health crisis, but social implications on the community need to be carefully managed.

“I urge the community to embrace online resources and adapt as much as possible.”

The City’s Community Development team are working hard to ensure programs are still accessible.

Sunset Yoga is now live streamed through social media and a number of different organisations are implementing similar provisions.

Various resources for employers, schools and higher education, health, aged care, childcare, transport, travel and hotel sectors are available at the following websites: 

HealthyWA website

Commonwealth Department of Health  

State Government Coronavirus Page

National Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080

Community members are advised to check the City’s website and Facebook page for the status of City events and to contact individual event organisers for updates on non-City run events. 

That City would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding during this difficult time and please remain calm, together we will get through this. 

Community members are reminded they can still contact the City through phone on (08)9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

CEO sends timely reminder to dog owners

Dog owners are being reminded of their responsibilities as pet owners to ensure the safety of the community.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said the important reminder comes after a dog attack occurred in Sunset Beach on Friday morning.

“An elderly woman is in hospital and the attack is currently under investigation,” he said.

“This is a timely reminder to all dog owners to ensure they exercise responsible dog ownership.

“I can confirm the City has impounded the dog and we are urging any witnesses to contact City Rangers.”

Dog owners have a responsibility to ensure their dogs are registered, are in a properly secured yard and not left to wander - in order to protect not only the safety of people, but dogs alike.

“Given the current health crisis, there are a lot more people out and about, getting their exercise and walking their dogs,” Mr McKim added.

“We thank those people who are practicing social distancing and cooperating with current restrictions.

“But there has been a recent increase in dog attacks, so please – make sure your dog is secure properly in your yard or on a leash if you are out walking it - I cannot stress this enough.”

If anyone was witness to a dog attack on Friday morning, they are urged to contact City Rangers on 9956 6600.

Community members are also reminded of their duties as pet owners with more information on the City’s website https://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/live/my-home/pet-ownership.aspx

City offers relief with faster turn-around times

In the midst of the COVID-19 global health crisis, the City has done everything it can to expedite the processing of payments and will target paying invoices within seven days.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said many businesses were hurting and getting their invoices paid as soon as possible was crucial during this time.

“We understand the business community have been hit very hard with this outbreak and cash flow is critical to keep them going,” he said.

“So we decided to bring forward our regular payment terms which are usually 30 days – and do our best to turn them around in a week.

“In just one week we processed more than $2.5 million in invoices which we hope can offer some relief to businesses during this time.

“So get your invoices into us as soon as practical and we will do our best to get funds into your bank account within seven days.”

To help address the economic impacts caused by the current health crisis, Council agreed to endorse measures and actions to balance revenues but keep providing essential services to the community.

A special item at the most recent Council Meeting saw Councillors direct the CEO to prepare a 2020/21 Budget scenario based on a freeze of rates, and fees and charges, abolishing all parking fees, and waivers on rates instalment fees and interest.

The City has been working with local businesses to conduct a “health check” survey to better understand the struggles the community is facing.

The City has also reached out to business who have adapted or modified their services to offer take away and delivery.

They are encouraged to head to the City’s website to list their details for promotion.

A comprehensive list of links and resources for businesses can also be found on the City’s website.

City Services Update #5: Changes to facilities and programming

Community health and safety remains a top priority for the City of Greater Geraldton as the global Coronavirus outbreak continues to be monitored closely.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said the City is monitoring the rapidly changing situation very closely and making necessary changes as needed.

In addition to the already implemented changes to facilities and programming, the following has been advised: 

All playgrounds and skate parks including Pump and Jump Track at Spalding Park

-Closed from Monday 30 March 2020.

-All public BBQs will also be decommissioned during this time.

Ellendale Pool

-The road into Ellendale Pool will be closed from 12pm Monday 30 March 2020.

Community members are reminded that no more than two people are to gather in public places unless from the same household.

People aged over 70 should stay at home to self isolate and limit contact with others as much as possible. This also applies to people over 60 with chronic illness and Indigenous Australians over 50.

Businesses in Geraldton are advised there is relevant business links and resources on the City’s website at: https://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/covid-19-business-assistance-information.aspx

Customer Service at the Civic Centre and Mullewa District Office remain open however community members are encouraged to contact the City via phone or email, and use online services where possible during this period. If visitation to a City facility is necessary, please exercise social distancing.

All changes to City facilities and programming can be found here.

The Geraldton Airport also remains open and patrons should contact airlines in regards to flight changes.

Ongoing announcements regarding City programs, shows and events will be released on the City’s website and social media platforms.

The Department of Health are the lead agency for the COVID-19 situation and people are advised to visit their website as a true and accurate source of information.

Various resources for employers, schools and higher education, health, aged care, childcare, transport, travel and hotel sectors are available at the following websites: 

• HealthyWA website

• Commonwealth Department of Health  

• State Government Coronavirus Page

National Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080

Community members are advised to check the City’s website and Facebook page for the status of City events and to contact individual event organisers for updates on non-City run events. 

That City would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding during this difficult time and please remain calm, together we will get through this.

Community members are reminded they can still contact the City through phone on (08)9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

Data boost for Sky Muster satellite broadband services in Durack

Homes and businesses in Durack will soon be able to access more data on their Sky Muster satellite services, with NBN Co to provide additional broadband data from 1 April 2020. 

NBN Co will offer permanent enhancements to its Sky Muster Plus offering, and a temporary increase to data allowances for standard Sky Muster plans to support the increased data needs of rural and regional Australians in response to COVID-19.

Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price has welcomed the decision.

“It’s particularly important for an electorate like Durack as we all adapt to new ways of living working and educating our children, to help keep businesses, families and students connected. We anticipate higher than usual internet usage across the NBN, in regional and remote areas,” Ms Price said.

The extra data that NBN Co is making available over the Sky Muster satellites – both permanent enhancements adding greater flexibility on Sky Muster Plus and the short term data boost on standard Sky Muster plans – will offer relief to regional and remote communities as their internet needs change over the coming weeks.

The NBN plays a critically important role in keeping rural and regional Australians connected, and this is particularly true as we face uncertain times,” Ms Price said.

Sky Muster Plus currently offers unmetered usage for selected internet essentials including web browsing, emails and internet banking. From 1 April, unmetered activities will be expanded to cover all online content and applications, with only two exclusions – video streaming and VPN traffic – which will continue to be metered.

Under the new offering, approximately 70 per cent of all data use is expected to be unmetered compared to about 30 per cent under the current plans, and the product will support unmetered usage for education applications and apps such as Skype and FaceTime for the first time.

For more information about the Sky Muster Plus satellite service visit: www.nbnco.com.au

Changes to facilities and programming

Community health and safety remains a top priority for the City of Greater Geraldton as the global Coronavirus outbreak continues to be monitored closely.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said the City is monitoring the rapidly changing situation very closely and making necessary changes as needed.

In addition to the already implemented changes to facilities and programming, the following has been advised: 

QEII Seniors and Community Centre

-Closed from Wednesday 25 March 2020.

Parking

-All City free RV overnight parking locations in the CBD, Point Moore and Drummond Cove are closed.

-There is now free parking at all City carparks but time limits remain enforced.

Community Halls

-All community halls are now closed.

Mullewa

-The following facilities in Mullewa are closed: Mullewa Caravan Park, Recreation Centre and Gymnasium, Youth Centre, Mullewa Pool, Town/Lesser Halls and Mullewa Public Library.

School Holiday Program

-In-person activities as part of the April School Holiday Program have been cancelled.

-The City is working on delivering programs via digital and online platforms.

Ornamental water fountains are no longer operating and the City are closing public toilets to ensure social distancing and current hygiene standards are met.

All museums are also now closed, as is the Geraldton RSL Club.

Customer Service at the Civic Centre and Mullewa District Office remain open however community members are encouraged to contact the City via phone or email, and use online services where possible during this period. If visitation to a City facility is necessary, please exercise social distancing.

All changes to City facilities and programming can be found here.

The Geraldton Airport also remains open and patrons should contact airlines in regards to flight changes.

Ongoing announcements regarding City programs, shows and events will be released on the City’s website and social media platforms.

The Department of Health are the lead agency for the COVID-19 situation and people are advised to visit their website as a true and accurate source of information.

Various resources for employers, schools and higher education, health, aged care, childcare, transport, travel and hotel sectors are available at the following websites: 

• HealthyWA website -

• Commonwealth Department of Health  

• State Government Coronavirus Page

National Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080

Community members are advised to check the City’s website and Facebook page for the status of City events and to contact individual event organisers for updates on non-City run events. 

That City would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding during this difficult time and please remain calm, together we will get through this.

Community members are reminded they can still contact the City through phone on (08)9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

Council endorse flexible and rapid response to impacts of COVID-19

To help address the economic impacts caused by the current COVID-19 health crisis, Council have agreed to endorse measures and actions to balance revenues but keep providing essential services to the community.

A special item at tonight’s Council Meeting saw Councillors direct the CEO to prepare a 2020/21 Budget scenario based on a freeze of rates, and fees and charges, abolishing all parking fees, and waivers on rates instalment fees and interest.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the City and Council recognise this is a health crisis, but social and financial implications on the community need to be carefully managed.

“We need to balance the prospect of declining revenues and calls for cost relief, with the need to continue delivering essential City services now while providing stimulus funding for new projects when the recovery period arrives,” he said.

“Our operational budget is $80 million, comprised of approximately $46 million in rates, $25 million in fees, charges and interest and $9 million in state and federal grants - meaning we are mainly self-funded.  

“The City would like to see stimulus funding provided to local government to help shoulder the financial burden being placed upon ratepayers in these difficult times.

“The City will endeavour to be flexible and provide rapid responses as the crisis unfolds and we ask the community to show tolerance to each other.

“Measures endorsed by Council will have a serious impact on the City’s Budget- but in light of our need to balance our operations with community concerns we feel these are reasonable steps to take at this time.”

During the Meeting, Mayor Van Styn also moved a motion to give immediate action directions to the CEO on a number of Budget and operational directives.

As part of Budget directives, the CEO was directed to immediately suspend commencement of any new capital and renewal work projects that are not significantly grant funded, or a significant safety project, until after the adoption of the 2020/21 City Budget.

There will also be an immediate review all operational service levels for the purposes of significantly reducing operational costs.

Immediate operational directives included ceasing the operation of all parking meters within the city and implementing ticket-free, free parking with time limits remaining enforced.

All remaining community facilities including the QEII Seniors and Community Centre, community halls, the Mullewa Pool and public ornamental water fountains will close.

Maintenance service levels will reduce at City ovals in response to the suspension of local sporting competitions.

All City free RV overnight parking locations in the CBD, Point Moore and Drummond Cove will close and a review of access to public toilets will take place to ensure social distancing and current hygiene standards are met.

Major shopping centres and stores will be contacted by the City asking for them to comply with state and federal health directives including the implementation of voluntary social distancing measures.

Lastly, the CEO was directed to investigate opportunities to support the local community through the impending isolation period by developing online services and communications.

“We need to protect the community from the spread of COVID-19 and ensure financial sustainability of the City is maintained,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“Council have provided immediate direction to the CEO in light of rapidly changing advice and escalating restrictions on public gatherings.

“This crisis will pass and we need to ensure we are ready to facilitate the recovery and recommence the provision of our community services.”

Community health and safety remains a top priority for the City and as a result, there have been impacts on a number of facilities and programming.

All updates are available on the City’s website.