Response from NSW Government on LGA status of concern
Published on 08 September 2021
As you are aware, several weeks ago I wrote to the Premier and to the Health Minister requesting clarification of Burwood’s status as an LGA of concern. I have received many messages from the community requesting an update on the situation.
Today I received a reply from the office of Minister Hazzard and I wanted to draw your attention to several key paragraphs.
"The NSW Government is implementing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and asks people to understand that restrictions are necessary to protect the whole community. Burwood has been listed as a local government area (LGA) of concern due to COVID-19 transmission in the area. While COVID-19 case numbers remain high, additional restrictions are necessary to keep people safe and prevent further transmission.
"NSW Health considers a range of factors in determining areas of concern, including COVID-19 case data, vaccination coverage, and movement trends in the local area. Decisions are based on expert advice and the latest local and international data."
From my perspective this is a frustrating response because their own data simply doesn’t agree with this statement. We understand and recognise that our geographic position is a challenge but we certainly dispute this argument from the Government.
Since we were declared an LGA of concern on 12 August our daily and weekly COVID case numbers have been consistently lower than our neighbours who haven’t been subjected to these onerous restrictions.
What is clear from this letter is that the Government is of the view that only higher vaccination rates will see an easing of restrictions.
I would like to say that in this respect our community’s response has been fantastic as has our compliance to the restrictions imposed on us. We’ve almost reached 80% of adults receiving their first dose with just under 40% fully vaccinated. In the last few weeks 6,700 people have been jabbed at the temporary vaccination clinic at Burwood RSL.
It’s a great start but we must do more by rolling up our sleeves. I will continue to push for Burwood to be taken off the LGAs of concern and for a permanent vaccination hub to established in our community because it’s important for our voices to be heard.
Message from Mayor John Faker