March 30, 2020
South Burnett Regional Council is closing its front counter services due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A statement from Council on Monday said that, in line with the latest Federal Government restrictions, all South Burnett Regional Council Customer Service Centres and Administration Offices would shut from the close of business on March 30 to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
CEO Mark Pitt said Council continued to monitor and respond to the ever-changing situation.
“With the health and safety of our community remaining paramount, Council will now conduct business over the telephone or online rather than face-to-face,” Mr Pitt said.
Residents are urged to contact Council via phone (1300-789-279 or 4189-9100), email (info@southburnett.qld.gov.au) or via Council’s website for general business or payments.
Face-to-face meetings will be conducted by appointment only.
Council will also provide secure document drop-off points by arrangement through one of its customer service representatives. Council staff will continue to work within a risk management framework to provide services.
Council’s Blackbutt office will continue to provide assistance on behalf of Services Australia (formerly known as Centrelink) and the Queensland Government Agent Program (QGAP) providing a one-stop-shop for government services.
“We understand that at this time these services are in demand within our local community and with the support of the staff working at the Blackbutt office, we will continue to deliver these services at this time,” Mr Pitt said.
The Blackbutt office will offer Services Australia assistance from 9:00am to 2:00pm, and QGAP services from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Mr Pitt said that although the front counters were now closed to the public, Council would continue “business as usual” to ensure essential core services were provided, with a focus on waste management, water and wastewater, roads maintenance and infrastructure maintenance.
