LEETON Shire Council has stood down its casual staff during the ongoing coronavirus crisis, but all permanent staff are still operating as usual.
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Council will look to reinstate affected staff, who were primarily working at the Roxy Theatre, the stadium and library, once it is appropriate to do so, but it has also called on the federal government to make local governments eligible for its JobKeeper program.
At present, local governments such as Leeton shire, have been excluded from being part of this initiative which aims to keep people in jobs.
Council general manager Jackie Kruger said it would be "ideal" for local governments to be included.
"JobKeeper would be ideal, especially for discreet 'business units' that operate separate to our rates funded services," she said.
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"Childcare is an example.
"When the federal government announced free childcare fees a fortnight ago our service was at risk of folding.
"Initially we were mortified about not having access to JobKeeper but, thankfully, the NSW government has since agreed to close that gap and the federal government also has announced 'hardship funding' for which we can apparently apply.
"We are still waiting for the details of both schemes, but feel more confident that this important community service can now continue uninterrupted.
"Leeton Early Learning Centre, Vacation Care and Out of School Hours Care are genuinely front line services and I am really proud of the staff who front up each day to support other essential services parents to attend their workplaces each day."
In order to adapt to the current climate, council has also redeployed permanent staff of closed services to new projects that have been difficult to complete in between normal business activity.
Council is an essential service and it has implemented a "pandemic plan" to allow for some staff to work-from-home and, while the administration building is open, it has advised the public to only visit if it is urgent.
Outdoor teams are continuing with their roles, with some critical services like water filtration and sewer treatment undertaking different rosters to ensure key personnel and their back-ups do not cross paths.
"Council knows some ratepayers will be finding it tough as a result of COVID-19," Mrs Kruger said.
"If anyone has fallen on hard times due to COVID-19 and will struggle to pay their rates or water bills, council will have staff available to review such situations and discuss options.
"Appointments need to be made in advance, by phone or email."
Council has also encouraged residents to continue to comply with restrictions put in place by the state and federal governments to flatten the curve.
"Council is really proud of the whole community's efforts with social distancing, washing hands and caring for each other," Mrs Kruger said.
"Even though we have no confirmed cases, let's not rest on our laurels, but rather keep up the good effort.
"As they say, we are all in this together."
