Richmond Valley Council Mayor Robert Mustow said the current lockdown requirements were crippling local communities and it was time to take a more common-sense approach to the restrictions and RVC is calling on the NSW Government to rethink its approach to regional lockdowns in areas which are currently COVID-free.
Cr Mustow said RVC towns and villages are suffering. ‘I’m not sure how much more they can take. It has been a tough 18 months – and it just keeps getting tougher. Events have been cancelled, businesses are closed, and family and friends are separated.’
Lockdowns are necessary
Cr Mustow said while he believed lockdowns were necessary when the virus appeared to be spreading in all directions, it was time to step back and rethink the approach in areas which were currently COVID-free.
Cr Mustow said is calling for the restrictions to be eased to allow more businesses to reopen under COVID safety plans, and to restore local travel between at least the six Northern Rivers councils.
‘The Northern Rivers is a connected region,’ said Cr Mustow. ‘People regularly travel between neighbouring towns for work, family, medical appointments and recreation.
‘Without this normal exchange with our neighbours, local communities and businesses are really doing it tough.
Richmond Valley businesses operate responsibly
‘Businesses in the Richmond Valley have already shown they can operate responsibly under COVID safety plans; maintaining check-in requirements and appropriate social distance. It’s time for a measured and sensible approach to re-opening these facilities.’
General Manager Vaughan Macdonald said Council recognised this as a difficult period for a lot of businesses, and was working to provide practical assistance to people in a range of ways.
This included providing information on government support to local business, working directly with local chambers of commerce, and hosting a business mentor through the Business Resilience Project. More details on the mentoring project are available on Council’s website.
Mr Macdonald said councillors would be examining ways to help businesses and ratepayers at the 21 September Council meeting.
Interest-free payment arrangement for ratepayers
He said Council already offered an interest-free payment arrangement whereby you paid a regular amount weekly, fortnightly or monthly, and he encouraged those experience difficulty making payments to contact the Customer Experience team for assistance.
‘As this situation continues to develop, and government response broadens, there will be many ratepayers who may experience financial challenges,’ said Mr Macdonald.
‘If you are able to you are encouraged to still pay your rates when they fall due. However, we understand this may not be possible for all ratepayers. We are here to help where we can.’
Council has also been active in promoting a shop local campaign.
‘Our small businesses contribute enormously to the Richmond Valley economy, so if you want your business added give our team a call,’ Mr Macdonald said.
‘From placing orders with them, to promoting them on social media – there are a lot of ways you can help the Richmond Valley’s small businesses weather this COVID-19 storm.
‘Many have revamped their websites and Facebook pages to make ordering easier for consumers in the current conditions.
‘In other words, if you’re thinking about buying something, rather than log onto eBay or Amazon, check out your local Richmond Valley businesses first.’
Richmond Valley ratepayers will need to apply for an interest-free payment arrangement under Council’s Financial Hardship Policy.
An application form is on their website, or call 6660 0300.
Recent stories, information and updates regarding COVID-19
New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Life shows life expectancy in Australia has decreased slightly for the second year in a row. An international team of researchers has found more evidence that COVID-19 came from animals in a Wuhan food market. The lab-leak theory that Covid-19 came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology – instead of a nearby wet market – was thrashed about in public recently, with the US Senate Homeland Security Committee holding a hearing into Covid-19. Eighteen schools in the Northern Rivers division of Richmond have received $25,000 each as part of the federal government’s School Upgrade Fund, Labor Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said last week. COVID-19 reversed earlier trends toward longer life expectancies. During the pandemic, life expectancies globally dropped by 1.6 years according to a new study published in the Lancet medical journal. Let’s not forget that Covid-19 is still a big issue in our community with 31,935 cases reported across Australia in the last week – an average of 4,562 cases per day. The Global Carbon Budget is about to be refreshed, giving the world a critical insight into how efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are (or are not) progressing. Masks will no longer be mandatory on public transport from tomorrow, Wednesday 21 September. SW Police are urging festival-goers at this weekend’s music festival to celebrate in a safe and responsible manner, whilst also being aware of COVID-Safety measures. The Northern NSW Local Health District reports that to 4pm yesterday, Sunday May 22, there were 40 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with one of these in ICU.
COVID-19 reduces Australian life expectancy
Wuhan market increasingly likely origin point for COVID-19
Editorial – There’s a bat in my lab!
Fresh air federal funds for Northern Rivers schools in need
COVID-19 pandemic has cut life expectancy globally
COVID-19 update for New South Wales
Five graphs you need to see before the Global Carbon Budget...
Public transport mask mandate to end
NSW Police: be COVID-vigilant at Splendour in the Grass
COVID-19 update for the NNSWLHD – May 23
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
