Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon (pictured) has called for a vaccination hub to be set up in the town following news that Byron, Kempsey and Tweed Shires will enter a 7-day lockdown at 5pm today.
He said the stay-at-home order news came as a blow for local residents and businesses who were primed for school holidays.
“We are a long way from Sydney and I think there needs to be more consideration for the impact of people leaving COVID hotspots and coming to areas like the Byron Shire,” Mayor Lyon said.
“Sydney businesses and residents have really been doing it tough over the last several months but as we are seeing, just one infected person is shutting down our businesses, putting thousands of people off work and cafes and restaurants have fridges full of food that could end up in the bin.
“I echo the call from the Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith, to have a vaccination hub set up in the Byron Shire, like what is available in the Lismore and Ballina local government areas.
“It’s vital that everyone in the Byron Shire who wants a vaccine can get access to it because when NSW opens up there is little doubt people will be heading north and bringing COVID with them and our community will be vulnerable.
“The health and wellbeing of residents is Council’s priority so if you are not well please ensure you follow the Public Health Orders and we will get through this,” he said.
From tomorrow, 22 September, Council’s office in Mullumbimby will be closed to the public but staff will be available on the phone or via email to help.
“Everyone in the affected LGAs must stay at home unless it is for an essential reason, which includes shopping for food, medical care, getting vaccinated, compassionate needs, exercise and work or tertiary education if you can’t work or study at home,” NSW Health said in a statement.
People who are fully vaccinated will be permitted to attend outdoor gatherings of up to five people for exercise or outdoor recreation.
Other changes to Council services include the closure of:
- The tip shop but the Resource Recovery Centre will remain open;
- Byron, Mullumbimby, Brunswick Heads libraries;
- Mullumbimby and Byron Bay pools;
- Main Beach and Tallow Beach car park.
Information about COVID-19 and changes to services is on Council’s website.