The statewide COVID-19 lockdown in NSW has forced organisers of Murrumbateman Field Days to cancel this year’s event. Photo: Yass Valley Council.
The ongoing statewide COVID-19 lockdown has forced Yass Valley Council to make a number of changes to local services, while the organisers of one of the region’s most popular events, Murrumbateman Field Days, have been forced to cancel it.
The Yass Valley Library, Yass Valley Information Centre and Yass Valley Council’s administration building will remain closed to the public until the lockdown is lifted.
For information on these closures, contact council’s customer service team on 02 6226 1477, or email [email protected].
If the matter is urgent, or if a face-to-face meeting is required, call the above number before going to the administration building on Comur Street in Yass.
Waste transfer stations will stay open during the lockdown, but only for essential drop-offs by eligible Yass Valley residents, including people who don’t have a regular waste collection, commercial customers and essential trade workers.
Services such as water, sewage and rubbish collection are deemed essential services and will continue throughout the lockdown.
Yass Valley Council will also ensure sporting fields, parks and public toilets remain open, but people are advised to maintain social distancing and practice good hygiene while in public spaces.
Some building and construction work throughout Yass Valley is on hold during the lockdown, including work on Dog Trap Road and on the Walker Park grandstand. However, scheduled roadworks, including unsealed road grading and resheeting, will still go ahead at Childowla Road, Spring Range Road and Longrail Gully Road.
Murrumbateman Field Days is one of Yass Valley’s most successful fundraising events so its cancellation for 2021 is particularly disappointing.
Scheduled for 16-17 October, the weekend usually attracts visitors from all across Australia, and provides much-needed funds for community projects as well as showcasing the district’s award-winning agricultural produce.
Organisers of this year’s event described the decision to cancel because of the COVID-19 pandemic as “devastating”.
“Murrumbateman Field Days is all about our exhibitors sharing their wares and knowledge with visitors, and it offers families an agricultural experience, entertainment, shopping and a great day out,” said a spokesperson for the event.
“We appreciate all the exhibitors who booked, community groups planning their involvement, support from suppliers, volunteers who signed up, and visitors looking forward to attending.”
In other parts of Yass Valley, work will continue on the Murrumbateman Winery Trail, on Murrumbateman Road and Hercules Street; stages one and two of rehabilitation of Nanima Road and Wee Jasper Road; and bridge and roadworks on Shingle Hill Way, Illalong Road and Morton Avenue.
At Gundaroo, blockwork and roof construction for the village’s amenities block will continue, with completion scheduled for mid-October 2021.
At Bowning, a new septic system has been purchased for the recreation ground and will be installed in early 2022.
Council said all works are on schedule, but will be subject to change depending on whether the lockdown is extended, and weather conditions.
In the village of Sutton, a draft planning proposal to rezone land and reduce the minimum block for a 29-lot subdivision at 2402 Sutton Road is now on public exhibition. Closing date for consultation is Monday, 23 August, 2021, at 5:00 pm, and more information is available here.
Local landholders have also been advised that stiff penalties are now in place if they fail to keep noxious weed serrated tussock under control. Council’s biosecurity weeds officers have already issued several directions and imposed $1000 fines for uncontrolled infestations.
For more information about COVID-19 restrictions in Yass, current services available and other local issues, visit Yass Valley Council.
For the latest information on the statewide lockdown in NSW, visit here.
Loading ...
