Council calls for clarity on LGA of concern status

Published on 27 August 2021

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After weeks of relatively low COVID case numbers and a recent surge in the uptake of vaccination rates, Council is seeking clarification from the NSW Government on the status of the Burwood LGA as an area of concern.

Burwood became one of a dozen Sydney LGAs declared as a hotspot on 12 August and consequently have faced additional restrictions beyond those in other districts with comparable cases. Since the Delta strain of COVID emerged in Sydney in June there have been just 44 COVID positive cases recorded within the LGA.

Mayor John Faker said he is not opposed to the original restrictions imposed on the Greater Sydney community believing they are important to public health, but was concerned about the lack of transparency from the State Government over what constitutes an LGA of concern.

“Prior to the announcement that Burwood would be classified as an LGA of concern there was no communication from the NSW Government and we first heard about it through the media,” said Cr Faker. “Our community have demonstrated a strong sense of civic responsibility, complying with rules and restrictions and taking up opportunities to get tested and vaccinated.

“From my perspective, I am concerned that the implementation of further restrictions on LGAs of concern, including the 1-hour exercise limit, curfew and work permits, represents a disproportionate response from State Government to the number of COVID-19 cases currently active in Burwood.”

Mayor Faker said as a matter of urgency he has written to both the Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Health Minister Brad Hazzard seeking clarification on Burwood’s status, and reiterated calls for a permanent walk-in vaccination clinic to be established within the LGA.

“The community is concerned and many of our small businesses are struggling. Residents are upset and confused about the situation, and I am encouraging them to also make their voices heard by contacting the Government.

“Despite all these challenges I do have confidence in the resilience of our community and that we will bounce back,” Mayor Faker concluded.

Throughout the latest stage of the pandemic Council has proactively brokered partnerships with key agencies to provide access to testing clinics in the Burwood LGA capable of handling more than 2,500 tests per day and worked with Burwood RSL and health authorities to open a temporary vaccination hub for 16-39 year olds.

It was earlier confirmed that this hub has been extended for another 3 days next week providing additional opportunities for the community to get vaccinated.