ON Sunday, the Premier announced the easing of a number of coronavirus restrictions from June 1, including restaurants and cafes, shopping and retail services, social gatherings, venues and community facilities and more.
There will still be restrictions in place, including limitations on numbers of people and physical distancing.
In some more good news, we’ve also seen our playgrounds, skateparks and outdoor gym equipment open this week, which is great news for our community, including young people.
When attending these facilities, people should not gather in groups of more than 10 and stay 1.5 metres apart from others where possible.
These restrictions will be further eased on June 1 to 20 people.
The easing of restrictions from June 1 will also apply to council’s libraries, art gallery, Pioneer Settlement, Town Hall, Leisure Centre, caravan parks, campgrounds and other facilities.
A limited number of patrons and physical distancing will apply.
Council has been busy working on these sites while they have been closed and look forward to opening these facilities as soon as possible after June 1.
We’ll keep the community informed about these openings.
While we are starting to see some easing of restrictions, it’s important to make sure we all practice good hygiene, maintain physical distance and stay home if not well.
Draft budget out for comment
Council’s 2020/21 draft budget is now available for review and comment by our community.
It should be noted, that even though the draft budget is being considered now, it may be revised later in the year after the implications of coronavirus are better known.
The draft budget includes almost $6 million to rebuild and upgrade roads and footpaths, and delivery of the Robinvale levee project and Robinvale netball upgrades.
There is also $510,000 for projects in smaller communities across the municipality, through community planning and the Vibrant Villages project.
The draft budget includes an average rate increase of 1.86 per cent.
In recognition of the impacts of coronavirus, the draft budget has a reduced rate for commercial ratepayers in Swan Hill and Robinvale.
The reduced commercial rate will mean, on average, commercial ratepayers in Swan Hill and Robinvale will pay about 10 per cent less than this year.
You can view the draft budget at www.swanhill.vic.gov.au/yoursay or by contacting council offices.
You can provide feedback online or in writing to the chief executive officer, Swan Hill Rural City Council, PO Box 488, Swan Hill, VIC, 3585.
Comment must be received by June 29.
Our Place survey closing soon
A quick reminder that you have until June 1 to provide your feedback regarding the Our Place site options.
You can complete the short survey at www.swanhill.vic.gov.au/our-place/.
You can also provide feedback and ask questions, including online through council’s website during business hours, or by calling 5036 2333.
You can also provide feedback anytime through the council website.
