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Changes to Council Services due to COVID-19

Council

To protect yourself and the community from COVID-19, keep at least 1.5 metres away from other people, regularly wash your hands and avoid touching your face.

If you are sick and believe you have symptoms of COVID-19, call your GP ahead of time to book an appointment or call the national Coronavirus Health Information Line for advice on 1800 020 080. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.

For updated information and advice related to COVID-19 go to https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au

For resources and fact sheets translated into other languages

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Council Services

To reduce the number of face-to-face interactions with the community and protect our staff the Derwent Valley Council Offices are open from 10:00am - 4:00pm, for essential in-person services only.

Max 4 people at a time | Keep 1.5m between. We encourage all enquiries by phone or email where possible.

Phone 6261 8500, email dvcouncil@dvc.tas.gov.au or complete our Customer Feedback Form. 

  • Pay your rates via BPAY, over the phone, drop your completed deposit slip into the mail slot with your cash or cheque for payment or pay at Commonwealth Bank
  • View Development Applications on our website under Public Notices.
  • Make an appointment to talk to Council’s Planner or Environmental Health Officer.

The health and safety of our community and staff is a priority. We appreciate your cooperation and apologise for any inconvenience.

Building and Planning Services

Planning Clinics are now being conducted over the phone or via email.
The times for the clinics remain unchanged as:

  • Tuesday and Wednesday: 9am to 11am
  • Thursday and Friday: 3pm to 5pm

This is for all enquiries regarding planning, including general advice.

Please call 6261 8500 to make a phone appointment. Alternatively, an email can be sent to dvcouncil@dvc.tas.gov.au seeking advice and information in relation to planning matters.

Please provide all relevant information including DA number (if relevant), questions or concerns and your best contact numbers and email address.

Building and Plumbing Inspections are being carried out using available technology to avoid the need to be physically present at inspections.

To arrange or enquire about an inspection, please call Council on 6261 8500.

Animal Management

Animal Management will continue as normal. To report a stray dog please call Council on 6261 8500.

Find out more about Animal Management at Council, including dog registration, keeping chickens and roosters and making a complaint.

Parks, Reserves and Playgrounds

Tasmanians can travel anywhere in the state and visit national parks. Visit www.parks.tas.gov.au to check park is open (some under maintenance)

Camping, overnight boating and shacks are now open with no restrictions. Overnight stays are allowed.

All parks, playgrounds and skate parks in the Derwent Valley are open for recreational use. Play and exercise equipment can be used, as long as physical distancing is maintained and hygiene practises followed.

Please be aware that we are unable to clean or disinfect the equipment in the playgrounds and users are encouraged to practise hand hygiene and wipe equipment with sanitiser wipes before and after use.

Please make sure you are helping to protect yourself and others by:
🤚 Keeping a distance of 1.5 metres between each other. If you are unable to do this then please do not enter the playground until it is safe.
🤧 Cough into your elbow or use a disposable tissue.
👏🏻 Practise hand hygiene before and after use
🏡 Please stay home if you are unwell.

Find out more.

Other Services

Public halls and other Council spaces are available for hire/use within Public Health Guidelines. A COVID-19 safety plan or checklist must be completed as part of the booking process, and density limits of 1 person per 2 square metres apply.

Special Committees of Council can resume activities within Public Health guidelines. A COVID-19 safety plan or checklist must first be provided to Council.

Visitor Information Centre and Historic Information Centre remain closed to the public until further notice.

Vulnerable people are encouraged to stay home and protect their health.

Valley Children's Centre

The COVID-19 restrictions in place at the Valley Children's Centre remain unchanged.

This includes:

  • Children who present unwell (runny nose) should be kept home and will not be accepted into care
  • Children who are sent home with runny nose need to have a medical certificate to return
  • All parents and children are required to sanitise their hands before entering the centre
  • No parents allowed in individual rooms (Willow, Poppies, Wisteria or Snap Dragons) Please collect and drop children off at the individual room doorways
  • We encourage just one person to enter childcare centre for pick up or drop off of children and not bring other children or family members with you, wherever possible
  • New families are having orientation visit and meeting staff from the office (Director)
  • Physical distancing to be followed by staff and parents within the centre
  • No face to face Admin services

Parents and caregivers will be notified when any of the restrictions in place change.