Council’s Covid safe measures
With Greater Sydney facing extended Covid restrictions, Wingecarribee Shire Council is supporting staff to ensure local services continue.
Council’s General Manager Lisa Miscamble said the organisation had reinstated numerous Covid-safe procedures.
“The health and safety of our employees, their families and our community remain our key priority,” she stressed.
“To help ensure we keep everybody safe, and Council services and facilities operating, we’ve proactively re-introduced a number of Covid-safe measures.”
One measure introduced involves weekly Covid testing of essential Council employees and contractors who are required to travel into the Shire for work.
“Almost a quarter of our workforce live outside of the Southern Highlands,” Ms Miscamble said. “It’s essential we keep our community safe and support those employees who are living with even tougher restrictions at home.”
Another change introduced includes the re-introduction of flexible work arrangements.
“Where appropriate, Council supports flexible work arrangements to ensure we continue to provide essential services to our residents,” Ms Miscamble said.
The General Manager said Council had upgraded the organisation’s online capabilities following last year’s initial lockdown.
“We’ve proactively helped staff transition to online working arrangements to reduce stress on both them and their families, minimise community contact and ensure we continue to deliver essential services across the Shire.”
Ms Miscamble said that where working from home arrangements were not feasible, the organisation had introduced stricter safety protocols.
“Not all of our staff can practically move online,” she said. “This is particularly the case for many of our outdoor teams.”
“For these staff we’ve provided other safety measures including mandatory face masks, increased access to hand sanitisers and mandated proper social distancing.”
“The safety and wellbeing of our community and staff is imperative as we work together to defeat this virus.”
For the latest COVID-19 updates including advice, restrictions and details on the NSW Government’s financial support packages for individuals, households and businesses, visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19.