Boroondara Council workers sent home due to heavy smoke
The heavy blanket of smoke has resulted in some outdoor workers being sent home. But the councils do not expect there to be severe disruptions to their services.
Inner East
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The heavy smoke hovering over Melbourne has led to some inner east council workers being sent home.
Outdoor Boroondara Council employees were given the directive after the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) rated the air quality as ‘hazardous’ today.
Boroondara chief executive Phillip Storer said workers providing essential services were being provided with appropriate masks.
“Scheduled bin collections will proceed as normal,” Mr Storer said.
“Residents are requested to monitor the advice from the EPA on how to manage any health concerns as a result of the air quality and how to limit the impact of exposure.”
Mr Storer said the air quality, affected by the ongoing bushfires, also meant the council’s outdoor pools had been closed, like those across eastern Melbourne.
“We don’t anticipate there to be serious disruptions to council services at this stage,” he said.
“In the event this changes, impacted individuals or groups will be informed either directly or via council’s online channels.”
Stonnington Council has enacted similar protocols, including for its early education services.
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Spokesman Sean Ross said the council encouraged people to follow health warnings related to poor air quality and to seek medical help if necessary.
“It recommended the Victorian Better Health Channel as a reliable and extensive source of advice, while information on its website directs people who are outside or uncomfortable at home to safe indoor spaces in Stonnington,” he said.