Published on Wednesday, 8 April 2020 at 2:59:41 PM
To the Community:
On behalf of Council, I would like to sincerely thank you for taking all the necessary steps to help keep our community stay safe under the current COVID-19 State of Emergency.
What we know:
- There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Shire of Brookton.
- The past week has seen our regional borders close, with Brookton sitting in the Wheatbelt we can now no longer head to Perth unless it is on essential business. It is vital to help keep our Community safe that all of us “Stay At Home” unless it is essential to leave.
- There has been concern that Brookton Highway does not have a controlled check point, we are seeking further clarification about the decision behind this. This does not mean people should be deliberately flouting the regional border closures because Brookton Highway does have regular Police Patrols being undertaken.
What we don’t know:
- Council, like the Community doesn’t know how long the restricted movements will be in place for, all indications are we need to plan for 6 months of restrictions.
- Our Community may look very different when this all ends, we acknowledge that many businesses have been forced to close or are suffering reduced trade due to reduced travel and reduced community movements.
What we are going to do:
- As part of next week’s Council Meeting (our first electronic meeting) we will be discussing a range of ideas to assist Our Community through this difficult period. There will be discussions around a variety of initiatives, whether that is bringing projects forward, or new initiatives.
All of this will be based on supporting you, Our Community through the next few months as well as into the recovery phase.
- The Shire as an organisation will continue to remain open for as long as is possible, we ask for your support and only visit the administration if it is essential, we would prefer you ring the office in the first instance.
- We will continue to communicate regularly with you.
- We will continue to support Our most vulnerable Community members; this includes checking in on people from time to time and assisting where we can.
What we need you to do:
Easter is traditionally a time for many families to get together, or head away on camping and getaway trips, but once again, for the safety of Our Community please heed the message coming from both the Prime Minister and Premier this is “Stay At Home”. I know that this is distressing and anxious time for all of us, many of us are separated from children, parents and loved ones, but working together and doing what is asked of us as a Community, State and Nation, we can get through it quicker and hopefully resume a normal life as soon as is possible.
Please contact the Shire if you or anyone you know is having difficulties or needs support to “Stay At Home”, we are only too happy to help you. Please look after yourself, your family and your neighbours. We wish you all a Happy and Safe Easter, enjoy the time at home.
Katrina Crute – Shire President on behalf of the Shire of Brookton Councillors.
Back to All News