natural connected prosperous
natural connected prosperous
The Shire will update details on this page as new COVID-19 information arises.
The Shire’s COVID-19 Community Care Package aims to ease the social and financial burdens on local community members, groups and businesses that are being experienced as part of the global pandemic.If you have a particular question or concern relating to a Shire service or facility please email COVID19@amrshire.wa.gov.au.
In response to the State Government’s four-phase roadmap easing COVID-19 restrictions, the Shire of Augusta Margaret River has reviewed a number of its facilities and services with the following changes and updates:
OPEN
Face-to face service, including vehicle/driver licence services
Opening hours here
Face-to face service, including vehicle/driver licence services
Opening hours here
Opening hours here
Group Fitness bookins essential. For more info visit recreation.amrshire.wa.gov.au
Class information and hours here
Both libraries are open, please refer to opening hours here
Click and Collect services are continuing, pick up during opening hours.
Free public Wi-Fi is available 24/7. Password is authorevents
More info at amrlibraries.com
Opening hours here
Bookings for event space and meeting venue hire are being taken via email contact@margaretriverheart.com.au or call 9780 5294 for more information. Please follow @MargaretRiverHEART on Facebook for the latest updates.
OPEN
The following outdoor Shire facilities are open to members of the public who are able to comply with State Covid-19 Directions.
A number of Community Halls are open and taking bookings.
Witchcliffe Hall and Alexandra Bridge Hall are undergoing renovations and will be opening at a later date.
For more info and to make bookings visit
https://www.amrshire.wa.gov.au/facilities/halls
Open from 2 May 2020. 21 campsites available on first come, first served basis. No bookings will be taken. Fees payable at self-registration box. Phone 9780 5676 for further information.
Both are open and taking bookings.
Visit the Turner Holiday Park website or Flinders Bay Holiday Park website for more info.
Please visit the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions website in relation to camping in National Parks.
Council Meetings
Media releases & statements
Waste fees and charges reintroduced to tackle excessive landfill (9 April 2020)
Recreation Centre delivers virtual fitness with online classes (14 April 2020)
Shire staff redeployed to bolster continued service delivery (15 April 2020)
A further $50k care package funds distributed (15 April 2020)
Shire continues to support local business community through pandemic (16 April 2020)
Shire planning team fast tracking applications (20 April 2020)
Face to face Shire customer services recommence (21 April 2020)
Alexandra Bridge Campground is set to re-open from this weekend (1 May 2020)
Quick approvals allow development activity to remain strong (11 May 2020)
Wine Association and Farmers Markets among latest Shire funding recipients (13 May 2020)
Social Media
Advertising
The Shire's Community Care Package has been initiated in response to the escalating coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, which is having a considerable economic and social impact on the community.
The package aims to support the existing Federal and State Government measures that have been put in place to support people in the community, particularly those experiencing financial stress. The package includes:
Rates, Fees and Charges
For more info contact the Shire’s Revenue Team on (08) 9780 5255
In Kind Support
The Shire's Community Care Package has been initiated in response to the escalating coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, which is having a considerable economic and social impact on the community.
The package includes up to $2million of Shire reserve funding for local business initiatives and community services which respond to needs arising from the pandemic. This fund is open from the 26 March 2020, with assessments to be completed on a rolling basis.
The fund can be used to support projects or services that:
To apply, download the Community Care Package Guidelines and contact the Community Recovery Team at (08) 9780 5255 or recovery@amrshire.wa.gov.au
Acquittal Form - download here
Funding recipients announcements:
$8,605.40 Augusta Community Resource Centre (read more)
$170 Margaret River State Emergency Service (read more)
$41,850 Mindful Margaret River and the Lishman Health Foundation (read more)
$28,695 Margaret River Chamber of Commerce & Industry (read more)
$25,000 Margaret River Wine Association (read more)
$20,000 Margaret River Farmers Market (read more)
$3680 Cowaramup Lions Club (read more)
$2614.73 Swimming Women (read more)
The Shire has established Wellness Services to support our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this, we are making phone calls to check in with community members who may be struggling at this time.
Register a vulnerable person
If you know someone who might benefit from this service, you can confidentially register them here and we will follow up to ensure they have the supports in place that they may need.
What else you can do
There has never been a more important time for our community to stick together. We all have a role to play in helping each other right now. Things you can do:
Connect with us by emailing recovery@amrshire.wa.gov.au or phone (08) 9780 5255
Mental health support
The COVID-19 situation may see community members experiencing social isolation, economic uncertainty and emotional distress. If you are concerned about yourself or others we encourage you to:
Local welfare supports
More information available here: https://www.amrshire.wa.gov.au/services/community-development/community-wellbeing
There has never been a more important time for our community to stick together. If you’re part of a group that can help or have an idea, let us know about it!
Other resources that might help you right now:
Register your group or service on My Community Directory
How to list your service change on My Community Directory
We have two options to support you:
1. If you need a 1 hour meeting once a fortnight (or less often)
The Shire can assist using our guest zoom accounts. To use this service please send your community group name, meeting time, date, number of participants and meeting duration to recovery@amrshire.wa.gov.au. We will arrange a one-off zoom meeting for you and send you the log in details to host the meeting. Please be sure to book 1 business day in advance of your meeting to allow for processing time.
2. If you need 1 hour meeting twice a fortnight (or more often)
The Shire can assist through the Community Care Fund, to purchase your group a standard six month zoom subscription. Please email your request to recovery@amrshire.wa.gov.au, including your community group name and why you require frequent video conferencing for your community activity.
Subscribe to our Community Group Newsletters
Both the Federal and State Governments are assisting businesses to manage cash flow challenges and retain employees.
Federal Government funding info at www.business.gov.au and The Treasury
State Government funding info at www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au
Funding for WA tourism businesses info at https://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/Industry-support/Industry-resources/Coronavirus/Pages/WA-Tourism-Recovery-Program.aspx#/
Information for sole traders and other entities is available here.
Other assistance from the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC)
The Small Business Development Corporation has collated information on the Government packages at all tiers of Government, available at https://www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/coronavirus#govt-support
Assistance accessing Government packages
To get the most out of the Government packages available it is recommended you work with an accountant or financial professional.
The Shire has funded the Margaret River Chamber of Commerce and Industry to provide one-off $250 vouchers for visiting your accountant to access the Government packages as quickly and effectively as possible.
For more information, visit the MRCCI website.
There is a lot of support and advice at this time for business owners wanting to understand the financial help available, to work on business models or build knowledge or capacity in an area, and to get helpful strategies for managing stress and mental wellbeing.
Margaret River Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MRCCI)
Funded through the Shire’s Community Care Package, the MRCCI is offering three months of free membership at the moment, and is facilitating the $250 Accounting Vouchers to assist you to access Government packages and one-on-one advice during this time.
Visit the MRCCI website for more information.
Mindful Margaret River and Lishman Health Foundation
Funded through the Shire’s Community Care Package, Mindful Margaret River is delivering business advice and mentoring through experienced professional, Pip Close, and also offering support with mental wellbeing.
Visit the Mindful Margaret River website or email info@mindfulmargaretriver.org.au for more information.
South West Smart Hub
An alliance of organisations in the south-west, spearheaded by the Bunbury Geographe Economic Alliance, has launched the South West Smart Hub portal as a single access point for information, resources and support.
Visit the South West Smart Hub website for more information.
Business Advisory South West
Business Advisory South West are continuing to offer one-on-one strategic advice for businesses in the Shire through this time utilising online software. They also regularly deliver workshops and webinars to help with strategic direction, finance, marketing and other relevant business topics.
Visit the IPS Business Advisory website for more information.
Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC)
To help businesses continue to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic the SBDC have created a number of free online workshops and webinars, and released a free library of online professional learning resources, available at https://www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/coronavirus#govt-support
You can also contact the SBDC on 133 140 should you require over-the-phone business advisory services.
All businesses across Western Australia planning to re-open as restrictions ease will need to prepare a COVID Safety Plan beforehand, to protect staff and customers.
For more information see the COVID Safety Plans key to reopening WA businesses. Plans will soon be available from wa.gov.au.
For businesses still operating a takeaway service, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 the Shire encourages the community to:
State of Emergency occasional liquor licence
Occasional liquor licences may be granted to existing licensed venues for up to 6 months to allow the sale of liquor with a takeaway or delivered meal.
Licensees with permanent licences of the following types will be able to apply:
Packaged liquor will be limited to one bottle of wine and one 6 pack (beer, cider or pre-mixed spirits) per order (the 6 pack can be in any combination) between the permitted hours of 12 noon and 12 midnight.
The WA Government has also moved to support local wine producers with an amendment to the current liquor restrictions to allow cellar-door sales of up to nine litres of wine (12 bottles) per customer per week in Western Australia.
To apply for an occasional liquor licence, email the State of Emergency Direction Application form to occasionals@dlgsc.wa.gov.au
It is important that people who are required to self-isolate in accordance with government protocols, be provided with support and care. Some people in Western Australia will require alternative accommodation to comply with self-isolation protocols. Should your accommodation business be in this situation, the WA Department of Health has issued advice to assist you manage the matter.
Stranded or displaced travellers, including those sleeping in vehicles are advised to contact Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association who are coordinating provision of longer-term emergency self-contained accommodation.
If you are in need of assistance, please phone (08) 9780 5911 or email welcome@margaretriver.com
More information about this service here https://www.margaretriver.com/travel-safety/
International travellers
International travellers who wish to return home are being advised to contact their Embassy or Consulate immediately to assist with repatriation options.
The UN Migration Agency is also offering support to travellers who do not have adequate finances to return home. Funding is available to cover the cost of a plane ticket home, bus fare to Perth and assistance getting a passport. This includes people whose visas have expired - noting there will be no negative immigration record for using this service.
Arrivals to Western Australia
WA Border Closure - Strict border controls are in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Western Australia.
You will no longer be able to enter Western Australia after 11.59pm, on Sunday, 5 April 2020 unless an exemption has been granted.
Exemptions will apply for:
Anyone who thinks they meet the criteria outlined in the ‘Quarantine (Closing the Border) Directions’ may apply for an exemption.
You can apply for an exemption via the G2G PASS website or by completing the exemption application form.
Returning to WA from international travel
If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident arriving back in Australia, you’ll be subject to the Australian Government’s mandatory quarantine period of 14 days at your first Australian destination.
You will be provided with suitable accommodation to stay in during this period.
You will not be permitted to travel domestically (including to your home) or continue on any domestic connections, until the 14 day mandatory quarantine period has been completed.
For more information visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Smart Traveller.
Returning to WA from domestic travel
If you are a Western Australian wishing to return home from domestic travel, you will need to make an application for exemption to enter the State on compassionate grounds.
If your application is accepted, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days once back in Western Australia. You will be instructed by authorised officers where and how to self-isolate, and also need to comply with any other terms and conditions they impose. The G2G pass is currently not in use for return from Australian domestic travel.
Intrastate travel restrictions
Changes to regional travel boundaries will take effect from midnight on Monday, 18 May 2020.
Phase 2 of easing restrictions in Western Australia will allow more travel within the state than under the current restrictions. The new regional boundaries will allow:
*Restrictions on travel to remote communities and biosecurity areas will remain in place.
Source: Department of the Premier and Cabinet
The existing rules and processes for exempt travel across regional boundaries will apply for travel between these four new regions.
Western Australians will not be permitted to leave their regional boundary. Police have the power to enforce these restrictions and fines of up to $50,000 can be issued.
Exemptions will apply for:
Read more on Western Australia's Prohibiton on Regional Travel Directions.
Anyone wishing to make a report regarding a breach of COVID community safety measures should phone Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
Social media
Disability support information
Further information
Under Phase 2 of WA’s four-phase road map, the State Government has announced a number of eased restrictions on non-essential services, with new social distancing measures to protect the Australian community from the spread of the coronavirus.
The following activities can recommence, providing all venues abide by a 20 patron limit and the four square metre per person capacity rule, effective from midnight Monday, 18 May 2020:
Public gatherings
Dining out
Fitness and recreation
Community facilities
If businesses or premises wish to reopen they will be required to prepare an official COVID Safety Plan available for inspection by an authorised officer, to protect staff and customers.
Phase 3 is subject to health advice, but will focus on continuing to build stronger links within the community and include further resumption of commercial and recreational activities. It may include:
Phase 4 and future easing of restrictions will be determined and occur in line with expert health advice.
Read more about the easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions on non-essential services.
Social distancing means less contact between you and other people. It helps stop or slow the spread of infectious diseases.
Social distancing is important because COVID-19 is most likely to spread from person-to-person through:
State Government has advised that public gathering restrictions will allow 20 people at indoor and outdoor non-work gatherings, effective from midnight Monday, 18 May 2020.
Everyone is required to stay home unless it is absolutely necessary to go outside. You are permitted to leave home for the essentials, such as:
Read more on social distancing guidance.
For the most current information and restrictions, please visit the Federal Government Coronavirus website.
Who must self-isolate
Self-isolation means staying at home or in your hotel room for 14 days. This is to prevent the possible spread of the virus to other people.
All travellers returning home from overseas will be quarantined in a hotel or designated facility for 14 days. This will take effect from 11.59pm Saturday 28 March.
This means you:
Advice for Senior Australians including those with existing health conditions
The health and wellbeing of senior Australians remains a primary concern in this uncertain time. COVID-19 has more serious impacts on older Australians, those over 70 years of age and Australians with existing health conditions or comorbidities.
The Federal Government strongly advises self-isolation at home to the maximum extent practicable for Australians:
These groups should limit contact with others as much as possible when they travel outside.
Printable COVID-19 resources
Environmental cleaning factsheet (workplaces)
Other general hygiene promotion posters
Translated resources
PO Box 61
Margaret River WA 6285
41 Wallcliffe Road
Monday to Friday
9am-4pm
Ph 08 9780 5255
Fax 08 9757 2512
66 Allnut Terrace
Tues, Wed, Thurs
9am-12pm, 1pm-4pm
Ph 08 9780 5255
For contact details for fire, police, bushfire brigades, hospitals, storm damage, power outages, etc please see the emergency contact page
If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment call us through the National Relay Service
To ensure that you receive your Rates Notice on time we need to be updated on changes. You can do this online.