COVID-19 Email Updates

WALGA email updates to Local Government CEOs, Mayors, Presidents and Elected Members to share sector-relevant information as it relates to COVID-19. View recent updates  here.


Government Support Measures

The State Recovery Coordination Unit has prepared a summary of the government support (both Commonwealth and State) for COVID-19. View it here.
  

COVID-19 Governance Information and Resources for Local Governments

Governance resources for Local Governemnts including Electronic Council Meetings Guide, Delegations and Decision Making Resource, Template Financial Hardship Policy and Template Contractor Regional Movement Confirmation can all be found here

Managing the Emergency at the Local Level

Establish an Incident Management Team
Now is the time to establish an internal management structure that is dedicated to COVID 19.  This is an escalating incident and you require dedicated staff dealing with the ever-changing situation so that you are able to respond effectively. 
 
Model structures
 

Revise and Refresh Your Business Continuity Plan  
It is important to continue to refresh these plans as the situation continues to change.  Having a Business Continuity Plan is not a legislative requirement under the Local Government Act 1995, and your Local Government may not yet have one.  
 

Authorised Officers: Public Health Act

The Chief Health Officer has written to Local Governments requesting details of local government authorised officers / environmental health officers appointed under the Public Health Act 2016. This is a requirement under section 27 of the Public Health Act.

Local Governments should consider the utilisation of these officers whilst you have them embedded in your teams and plan for a situation where they may also be required for state level response.  

 
Emergency Management Act
The Emergency Management Act requires Local Governments to appoint a Local Recovery Coordinator. You may have done this via your Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMC) and may have this documented in your Local Emergency Management Arrangements (LEMA).  

Check in with your emergency management staff who are a valuable resource as the State is moving towards an emergency management structure to manage this event.  

The State Emergency Management Coordination Group are now meeting frequently and the operational tempo will continue to increase.

 

State Government Assets
Regional Travel Ban - TV ad
Stay Home This Easter - Facebook video


Procurement Network Buyer's Alert - Wednesday, 18 March

COVID-19 Preferred Supplier Update
 

LGIS Support to Members

LGIS is able to offer members advice on the following:

  • Flu vaccinations
  • Travel cancellations
  • Counselling services
  • Business Resilience and continuity planning

For more information on these topics, please go to the LGIS website.
 

Management Responses

Local Governments with specific enquiries about management responses can contact their local Population Health Unit, Communicable Disease Control Unit (see below contact details for each region) or alternatively contact the Coronavirus hotline who will provide a contact to the most appropriate support officer.

Coronavirus Health Information Helpline (Healthdirect) 1800 020 080 (24/7 queries).