Shire of Murray's response to COVID-19 and cancellation of the Pinjarra Festival

Read the statement from the Shire of Murray.

The 2020 Pinjarra Festival has been cancelled and the Shire of Murray’s approach to the COVID-19 pandemic defined.

According to Chief Executive Officer Mr. Dean Unsworth, the decision to cancel this year’s Festival is in line with medical advice issued by the Australian Government, preventing non-essential, outdoor gatherings of 500 or more people.

“This decision is in the best interest of the community and in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

“Stallholders and other service providers have been notified and while Edenvale Homestead will not burst with the excitement of festival activities over the 2020 WA Day Long Weekend, the festival will be back with a vengeance in 2021,” Mr. Unsworth said.

Many other Shire run programs and events have been discontinued until further notice, including all Murray Library programs and events and several Murray Aquatic and Leisure Centre programs. Leisure Centre users are encouraged to consult the Centre’s Facebook page @murrayleisurecentre for a list of continuing core business activities and to monitor developments.

The Shire has implemented social distancing measures across its service centres. This includes its Administration Office, Murray Library, Murray Aquatic and Leisure Centre and Dwellingup History and Visitor Information Centre.

The layout of the Council Chambers gallery will be adjusted for Council Meetings and live streaming opportunities are being investigated to enable remote viewing.

Community members and other stakeholders are being encouraged to conduct their business with the Shire by email or telephone in the first instance, with card and other electronic payment methods preferred.

“All efforts are being taken to minimise the disruption of service provision to our community, especially ensuring the ongoing provision of waste collection, ranger and other key services.

“A situation specific operational plan has been prepared to support the Shire’s Business Continuity and Crisis Management Plan.
“Work from home arrangements have been implemented for staff on an as needs basis, to achieve social distancing and to ensure continuation of service delivery in the event that the facility should be closed for isolation purposes.

“The Shire continues to monitor and follow advice from the Australian and State Governments and is adapting our response accordingly and as the situation develops.

“We are aware of the crippling economic effect of the virus and will continue to monitor the situation and support mitigation efforts as much as possible.

“In these uncertain times we are being encouraged to remain alert but not alarmed, sanitise our hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or inner elbow and avoid public places if sick - precautions necessary to ensure the health and wellbeing of our community,” Mr. Unsworth said. 

To keep abreast of COVID-19 developments, the following resources are available:
1.    HealthyWA website - https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus
2.    State Government Coronavirus Page - https://www.wa.gov.au/government/coronavirus-covid-19
3.    Australian Department of Health - https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-resources