Cash-free transfer stations to target infection risk

Published on 17 March 2020

Surf Coast Shire Council has transitioned all services to be cash-free to reduce risk of infection in response the COVID-19 pandemic. The last service to come into line with this approach are Council’s transfer stations which will now be cash-free.

From 20 March the stations at Anglesea, Lorne and Winchelsea will receive payments by EFTPOS transaction, credit card or account only.

The community resale shed at Anglesea transfer station has also been closed until further notice to further protect volunteers and visitors who frequent the shed.

“These changes are guided by advice from Victoria’s Department of Health and Human Services on further steps we can take to reduce the risk of infections in our community,” Chief Executive Officer Keith Baillie said.

“We need to take the steps we can, and reducing handling of money at our busy transfer stations will help make a difference.

“We appreciate particularly the impact of temporary closure of the much-loved resale shed but hope people understand and adjust as we continue responding to these extraordinary circumstances.”

EFTPOS machines and extra hygiene precautions will be in place at the transfer stations.

Meanwhile kerbside waste collections are continuing as usual across Surf Coast Shire.

The change to cash-free transactions follows other infection minimisation measures including preventing user groups from holding gatherings of people on Council owned or managed facilities and land.

Council has mobilised its pandemic plan in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and a working group is meeting daily via teleconference to evaluate and respond to latest developments.

Council has closed its Torquay office to public visits but remains open for business and contact via 5261 0600, info@surfcoast.vic.gov.au or www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au.

Important community services including aged care and kindergartens are continuing as usual, along with regular child immunisations.

Maternal and Child Health services are also continuing, with precautions introduced to reduce risk of infection for families and staff.

Non-urgent consultations will now take place via phone, and nurses will visit the homes of families with young infants rather seeing them at Council child health centres.

All face-to-face meetings of first-time parent groups, parent education sessions and events are postponed until further notice.

Food markets held on Council land, such as the Torquay Farmers market, will continue at this time because they have exemption from state and federal rulings restricting sizes of public gatherings and provide an important opportunity for the community to source fresh produce.

People should refer to www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/covid19 for latest updates on changes to Council services.

People seeking COVID-19 updates and health advice can visit the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website www.dhhs.vic.gov.au