Tara Murray
Brimbank council is working hard to try and keep its services operating despite COVID-19 related staff shortages.
Like many other businesses and organisations, the council has been hit by staff with either having COVID-19 or having to isolate.
Mayor Jasmine Nguyen said the council was working hard to keep services going.
“Like other workplaces we have staff shortages because of our workers testing positive or having to isolate because they are considered close contacts.
“This is across all council services – from maternal and child health services, to rubbish and recycling, from customer service and libraries and neighbourhood houses to parks maintenance and street cleaning.
“Council provides over 100 services to the community and we are doing our best to keep services operating and keep our city clean and safe.”
The council recently announced that it’s libraries would operate with temporary hours, due to the pandemic.
All five libraries are affected by the changes.
Cr Nugyen said the best way for residents to keep up to date was to follow the council’s Facebook page or website.
“Our online reporting tool, Report It, offers our community an easy way to report an issue or request a service request without phoning, emailing or visiting a council centre.
“Anyone can report an issue or lodge a service request by submitting details.
“Requests go straight to the council area responsible, which means we can resolve issues quicker. You can even opt to receive an update on your request via email or SMS.”
“We are in very challenging times and now, more than ever, we need to be kind with each other and look after ourselves.”
The council is not alone with businesses around Brimbank either restricting their services or shutting their doors temporarily.
Banks, post offices and restaurants are among those affected.
