Council services suspended during snap lockdown

A number of City of Ballarat services will be closed for the next seven days as the state enters a snap lockdown to reduce the spread of Coronavirus.  

The state government announced from 11:59pm Thursday 27 May to 11:59pm 3 June, Stage 3 restrictions will be imposed for the entire state of Victoria.  

Under the restrictions, residents of Ballarat and surrounds will have five reasons to leave home: 

• To shop for food and supplies,  
• Authorised work, 
• Care and caregiving,  
• Exercise, for up to two hours and with one other person, and 
• To get vaccinated. 

Due to these restrictions set by the state government, services such as the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre, the Ballarat Art Gallery, the Eureka Centre, the Town Hall including the Ballarat Information Centre, and other council services will be temporarily suspended.  

Essential services such as meals on wheels, Council-run childcare centres and kindergartens, the Ballarat Transfer Station and Maternal and Child Health will remain operational with some changes.  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney said now is the time for everyone to do their part to ensure the safety of our community.  

“This news is nothing something any of us wanted to hear but it’s incredibly important for us all to work together to ensure this virus does not continue to spread,” he said.  

“Let’s get behind Ballarat business who will need our support more than ever, grab a takeaway meal this week if you can and be kind to all the retail workers around the city.” 

City of Ballarat CEO, Evan King said while the circuit breaker will result in the closure of some facilities, the essential services our community rely on will continue to operate.  

“We know many people will be disappointed with some facilities temporarily shutting their doors, but I want to assure everyone our core essential services will continue to run,” he said.  

“We all have a part to play in protecting our city from the spread of Coronavirus and council is doing everything we can to keep our city running with minimal risk to our residents.” 

To find out more about what City of Ballarat services will be affected visit www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/whats-open-and-whats-closed 

For the most up to date state government COVID information on restrictions visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au