News and Updates
Stay up to date with the latest COVID-19 information from Federal, State and Local Government
Monday 11th May
In a statement this morning from Premier Daniel Andrews, changes to the stage three restrictions were announced. From 11.59pm Tuesday 12th May there are now 5 reasons to leave home:
- shopping for food and supplies that you need
- care and care giving
- exercise and outdoor recreation
- work and education – if you can’t do it from home
- visiting friends and family – if you really need to
Indoor gatherings at home are permitted with up to 5 visitors and outdoor gatherings permitted with up to 10 people. Full details of these changes can be found on the Victorian Government’s website.
Monday 6th April
On 16 March 2020, a State of Emergency was declared in Victoria in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, since this announcement further measures have been put in place.
Local Government plays a critical role in supporting its community during this unprecedented time.
Banyule has been responding to the measures with a review of services and ensuring information is made available to our community.
In response to the emergency, Council is working to a five-point plan. This plan ensures support for Councillors, staff and the community as follows:
- Protect staff health and wellbeing
- Minimise Council service disruption
- Maintain financial sustainability
- Support the local community
- Support the local economy
The outcome of this plan which was unanimously adopted at Banyule Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Monday 6th April, provides the following direct support to eligible local business impacted by COVID-19 and stage three restrictions by;
- Refunding and waiving street trader permits
- Providing rent relief for eligible tenants in Council owned buildings
- Waiving Health Act Registration Fees
- Provide additional funding for the special rates and charges scheme
- Immediately introduce five business day payment terms for all suppliers to Banyule City Council
- Provide grants up to $5000 to assist business moving online
- Expanding the reach of Banyule’s Employment Assistant Program (EAP)
- Recruiting an additional Business Support Officer to provide one-on-one support and advice for small and medium size Banyule businesses
- Investigating the opportunity to provide further community-driven assistance to our local businesses to support them in the recovery phase of the emergency as restrictions on social distancing begin to be removed.
- Providing additional free COVID-19 specific training and development opportunities
Council is confident that this package will provide required assistance where it is needed most. To access the full response please visit the Banyule Council Website
Monday 31st March
Stage 3 Restrictions: In an announcement this morning, Premier Daniel Andrews has stated if people breach these directions, they face on-the-spot fines of $1,652 for individuals and $9,913 for businesses. Larger fines can also be issued through the courts.
Job Keeper Payment – As announced by the Prime Minister
- Employers to receive $1500 per fortnight “Job Keeper” payment
- Employers are legally bound to pay employees and keep them attached to the business
- Every worker will get the same payment no matter what the regular wage of the employee
- The amount equates to 70% of the Australian median wage
- Casuals – payments available to those who have been with employers 12 months or more
- Stood down workers will be eligible
- Turnover of the business must be down 30%,or more than 50% for businesses that turn over more than $1billion
- Job Keeper payments will start May 1 to employers, and will be backdated. NZ citizens eligible for this payment
- Workers need to have been with the employer before March 1
Also Announced: For those on Job Seeker payments , the partner income threshold is extended to $797662pa
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Sunday 30th March
Stage 3: Additional Prohibited Activities From Midnight Monday 30th March, 2020, Stage 3 restrictions will be in place nationally.
National Cabinet agreed to limit both indoor and outdoor gatherings to two persons only.
Exceptions to this limit include:
- People of the same household going out together;
- Funerals – a maximum of 10 people;
- Wedding – a maximum of 5 people;
- Family units.
National Cabinet’s strong guidance to all Australians is to stay home unless for:
- shopping for what you need – food and necessary supplies;
- medical or health care needs, including compassionate requirements;
- exercise in compliance with the public gathering requirements;
- work and study if you can’t work or learn remotely.
National Cabinet agreed that playgrounds, skate parks and outside gyms in public places will be closed. Bootcamps will be reduced to two persons, including the trainer.
A dedicated Covid-19 App and WhatsApp chat have been set up and avaible for download here
Thursday 26th March
Hairdressers and Barbers – 30 minute rule has been revoked however salons and barbers must still adhere to the physical-distancing restrictions of one person per 4 square metres.
Tuesday 24th March
Stage 2: Additional Prohibited Activities From Midnight Wednesday 25th March, 2020, Stage 2 restrictions will be in place for places of social gathering.
- Cafes – Exceptions Takeaway service and home delivery. Cafés or canteens at hospitals, care homes or schools; prison and military canteens; services providing food or drink to the homeless, workplace canteens can provide takeaway
- Food courts – Exceptions – Delivery and takeaway can remain operational
- Auction houses – Closed
- Real estate auctions and open house inspections – Exceptions Private appointments for inspections
- Outdoor and indoor markets will be a decision for each state and territory – Exceptions – Food markets will continue to operate in all states and territories
- Hairdressers and barber shops- Exceptions – Up to 30 minute appointments and the 1 person per 4 square metre rule applies in the premises.
- Beauty therapy, tanning, waxing, nail salons, tattoo parlours – Closed
- Spas and massage parlours – Closed
- Cinemas, nightclubs – Closed
- Casinos, gaming or gambling venues – Closed
- Strip clubs, brothels and sex on premises venues- Closed
- Concert venues, theatre, arenas, auditoriums, stadiums- Exceptions – Concert venues, theater, arenas, auditoriums, stadiums
- Amusement parks and arcades – Closed
- Play centres (indoor and outdoor) – Closed
- Health clubs, fitness centres, yoga, barre and spin facilities, saunas, bathhouses and wellness centres – Closed
- Boot camps, personal training operating outside and inside – Exceptions – For outside events, limited to groups of no more than 10 people and social distancing must be exercised.
- Social sporting-based activities – Closed
- Swimming pools- Closed
- Hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, caravan parks, and boarding houses will be a decision for each state and territory – Closed
Businesses seeking advise about whether they are affected can also call the Business Victoria Hotline on 13 22 55
Monday 23rd March
Stage 1 Regulations From midday on Monday 23 March, 2020, Stage 1 restrictions will be in place for places of social gathering.
Please note: Victorians will still be able to go to the supermarket, the bank, the pharmacy and access other essential stores, like petrol stations and convenience stores.
The following facilities will be restricted from opening:
- Pubs, registered and licenced clubs (excluding bottle shops attached to these venues), hotels (excluding accommodation)
- Gyms and indoor sporting venues
- Cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, and night clubs
- Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery
- Religious gatherings, places of worship or funerals (in enclosed spaces and other than very small groups and where the 1 person per 4 square metre rule applies).
