Hello everyone,
I am writing to you to advise how the Town of East Fremantle will be taking a phased and careful approach in implementing the gradual lifting of restrictions that were imposed due to COVID-19.
Our State, our City and our Town have responded magnificently to this health crisis, and as a result of the good work done by everyone, our federal and state governments have decided to lift some restrictions as soon as 18 May 2020 as we enter Phase Two.
Here is a summary of how this will affect residents, business and community associations/organisations and clubs in East Fremantle.
From 18 May 2020, we enter Phase Two:
Social distancing, good hygiene, and the 4sqm rule apply to all activities.
Public gatherings - the following are permitted:
indoor and outdoor non-work gatherings of up to 20 people
weddings and funerals up to 20 people inside or 30 outside.
Dining out - this activity is permitted:
cafés and restaurants with meal service, including within pubs, bars, clubs, hotels, and casinos.
up to 20 patrons.
Return to work
Western Australians are encouraged to return to work unless they are unwell or vulnerable.
Note: the Town of East Fremantle is now implementing a phased return to work with most staff back in the office by Monday 18 May 2020, although the Town Hall will remain closed to the public for in-person visits. All Town services remain in place and can be accessed via the Town's website, or by calling 9339 9339 or by sending an email to admin@eastfremantle.wa.gov.auOur friendly team is ready and willing to assist you.
Regional travel
Restrictions relaxed, with travel allowed between:
South West, Great Southern, Wheatbelt and Perth-Peel regions
(this means residents of East Fremantle are permitted to travel to such locations as Bunbury, Margaret River, and the South West)
Mid-West, Gascoyne and Pilbara regions (excluding the biosecurity zone)
Goldfields-Esperance region (excluding the biosecurity zone)
within Kimberley Local Government areas (the Commonwealth’s biosecurity zone remains in place).
Travel exemptions will be required to travel between these regions.
Fitness and recreation - these activities are permitted:
non-contact community sports up to 20 people
outdoor or indoor fitness classes with minimal shared equipment, up to 20 people
public pools (1 indoor and 1 outdoor) permitted to open under strict rules and up to 20 patrons per pool.
Community facilities
places of worship, community facilities and libraries permitted to reopen
up to 20 patrons.
Advice for business
Businesses seeking to reopen, including hospitality, sports and recreation, community and cultural venues, will need to complete an official COVID Safety Plan.
The WA Government has begun consulting with key stakeholders to develop COVID Safety Plans and Guidelines, which will be available here this week.
This includes consultation with the hospitality, community and cultural venues, and sport and recreation sectors.
Guidelines for this week: 11 May - 17 May 2020 inclusive Social Distancing
Social distancing is integral to help limit the risk of COVID-19 coronavirus spreading throughout the community. It includes:
minimising all unnecessary contact with others
keep 1.5 metres away from others
avoiding physical greetings such as handshakes, hugs and kisses
use tap and pay instead of cash.
All other restrictions remain in place for now:
all public playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gym equipment will remain closed
restaurants, cafés, food vans, food courts and road houses remain restricted to takeaway and home delivery.
Everyone should continue to practise appropriate social distancing and stay home, except for:
shopping for what you need, such as food or other necessary supplies
medical or health care needs, including compassionate requirements
exercise, including outdoor personal training (up to 10 people) without shared equipment
work, training or university, where remote learning is unavailable
childcare or school
non-contact recreational activities such as private picnics in the park, fishing, boating, hiking and
camping − all in compliance with travel restrictions and the 10-person rule
home opens and display village openings, with appropriate record keeping and hygiene practices in place and in compliance with the 10-person rule.
WA remains in a State of Emergency and various restrictions are enforceable by fines of up to $50,000 for individuals and $250,000 for businesses. Police officers also have the power to issue $1,000 on-the-spot fines.
A reminder that our clubs and sporting groups remain closed for the time being, but I encourage you all to continue to exercise safely and maintain good health, and access the range of support services available to you, the details of which are listed below.
Mayor Jim O'Neill.
For further information on any newsletter content, please contact us at admin@eastfremantle.wa.gov.au and if you think your neighbours and friends would be interested, please forward so they can subscribe (subscribe here).
Support for our Community Including Grant funding
The State Government has consolidated a list of helpful advice for the East Fremantle community's members who have been adversely affected by the financial impact of COVID-19.
It covers a broad range of subjects, including support with:
mental health
superannuation
retirement
financial hardship
relief services
energy assistance
child care
shopping
arrangements for landlords and tenants
The full range of support services is available for download here:SRCU COVID-19 Government Support 07052020The Town is already assisting local clubs with letters of support to access funding, and this support is available for all applications for support by local clubs.
We encourage everyone who needs support to reach out and access these services which are designed to assist you at this challenging time.
2020/21 Budget Preparations Underway
The Town of East Fremantle is preparing the Budget for the 2020/21 financial year.
The Budget is being planned to minimise the financial burden on our community and will include a zero percent increase in:
• rate revenue
• fees and charges
• wages and salaries for Town staff.
To read more detail about the decision visit our website at eastfremantle.wa.gov.au and to get advice on how this will impact upon your rates, fees and charges, call 9339 9339.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO IMPOSE DIFFERENTIAL RATES
The Town of East Fremantle is in the process of finalising the 2020/21 annual budget. In accordance with Section 6.36 of the Local Government Act 1995, the Town invites public submissions in respect of the intention to Levy Differential General Rates and Minimum Payments.
The overall objective of the proposed rates in the 2020/21 Budget is to provide for the net funding requirements of the Town’s services, activities, financing costs, and the current and future capital requirements of the Town, after taking into account all other forms of revenue.
The following are the proposed Differential General Rates and Minimum Payments for the 2020/21 financial year.
Residential (GRV) 7.4225 cents in the dollar
Commercial (GRV) 11.403 cents in the dollar
Minimum (Residential) $1106
Minimum (Commercial) $1654
A statement of the Rating Objects and Reasons has been prepared and is available to view on the Town’s website www.eastfremantle.wa.gov.au.
Submissions are invited from any elector or ratepayer with respect to the proposed rates, and any related matter, within 21 days of the date of this notice. They should be clearly marked ‘Submission – 2020/21 Differential Rates’ and emailed to admin@eastfremantle.wa.gov.au or received by the CEO, Town of East Fremantle, PO Box 1097, FREMANTLE WA 6959, by Friday, 5 June 2020.
Gary Tuffin
Chief Executive Officer
Be Active and Stay Safe – Sharing Riverside Road
Regrettably, there have been many incidents of users of Riverside Road not following the Town's advice relating to cyclists dismounting at shared access points at the worksite and sharing the space with pedestrians.
The upgrades to Riverside Road, once complete, will make access for cyclists, pedestrians and all road users easier. While these works are underway, there is a short term reduction of access to the footpath. At the same time, usage of this space is peaking due to increased cycling and walking due to COVID19. We ask that all users maintain social distancing and to share these public spaces with courtesy and respect.
Cyclists we ask that you dismount when approaching areas shared with pedestrians at busy times. We look forward to sharing the newly improved shared access of this area when works are completed in early July 2020.
Community Connect is here to help
The Town’s new Community Connect program is up and running. Town staff can assist community members with daily tasks such as collecting shopping, tidying the garden, picking up mail, walking the dog or simply checking in with a friendly phone call. If you need support, or know someone in East Fremantle who does, visit Community Connect online, or call 9339 9339 – option 4.
Cheap Native Plants - Sold Out
Due to high demand, the allocation of subsidised native plants available from the APACE Nursery for East Fremantle residents has been exhausted. Thank you to everyone who took the opportunity to beautify their gardens recently.
Drive Through, Drop Off, Recycling
The Fremantle Recycling Centre is launching a new drive-thru drop off service for unwanted recyclables.
New opening hours
- Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 8am-4pm
- Saturday 8am-12noon
Due to COVID-19 there are restrictions in place on items that are accepted at the Centre. For more information on accepted materials and associated social distancing practices please click here
Library Services Available Online and Full Services from 18 May For this week from today until 17 May (inclusive) Town of East Fremantle residents can access library services from the City of Fremantle Library, including online resources and dropoffs of items by calling 9432 9766 or by sending an email to frelib@fremantle.wa.gov.au. You can also browse the Fremantle Library catalogue at fremantle.spydus.com
From 18 May onwards, the Library will reopen.
A very happy Mother's Day to all the Mums in East Fremantle. We hope you enjoyed all of our waste-free ideas for making Mum's day so special.
