Darwin council staff to stay on full pay despite reduced rosters amid coronavirus pandemic
NON-essential Darwin council workers will continue to be paid while on reduced workloads as council adapts to the impact of coronavirus
Northern Territory
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NON-essential Darwin council workers will continue to be on full pay while on reduced workloads as council adapts to the impact of coronavirus.
A number of council facilities have been closed for the foreseeable future as council grapples with the spread of the virus and social distancing regulations.
However, Darwin council chief executive Scott Waters said the 350 staff employed by council wouldn’t find themselves out of a job, unlike many other industries and business across the NT.
The council staff wages bill is about $616,711 a week.
“It is uncertain times for us all and I have given an assurance to permanent staff that their roles are safe and they will continue to be paid during this challenging time,” Mr Waters said.
“City of Darwin employs more than 350 Darwin residents and they are important contributors to our local economy and the community.”
Mr Waters said essential services, including waste, maintenance of roads, parks and reserves, animal management and the Shoal Bay tip would become the focus.
“Staff have been identified to ensure these essential services are delivered, with other staff asked to take on roles and tasks outside their normal position, including being on rotating rosters,” he said.
“All staff are aware of and committed to the requirement of workplace flexibility at this time.”
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Some services, including library services and finances, payment of council rates, bills and charges will be maintained but can be done out of the office.
Governance and elected member services including council meetings, briefings and workshops will remain in place.
The Darwin Civic Centre closed to the public at 5pm Friday, with no customer service personnel to be on hand after the closure.
Council also closed Lake Alexander and public tennis courts at the same time.
Mr Waters said the measures were being implemented to reduce the risk of COVID-19 being spread across the Darwin municipality and he encouraged the community to incorporate social distancing into their daily lives.
“The Australian Government has highlighted social distancing as a key to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” he said.
“City of Darwin has closed many public facilities in order to meet these Australian Government guidelines.
“Simultaneously we are enhancing our online services.
“There will be more changes in coming days and weeks as we adapt to delivering services to our community during the COVID-19 response.”
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Customers can still make payments by going to darwin.nt.gov.au
Alternatively, customers can email darwin@darwin.nt.gov.au or call City of Darwin on 8930 0300.
Telephones will be manned 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, except public holidays.
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