JUNE 30, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
10,000 tests performed
(Supplied)
Djerriwarrh Health may not be the biggest health service going around, but it is punching above its weight in the ight against COVID-19. Last week, DJHS conducted its 10,000th test from its drive-through clinic, a mighty achievement for a service that employees 700 health workers across Melton and Moorabool. The drive-through testing in Melton was one of the irst such sites in the state, and locals have responded to calls to get tested in huge numbers. Djerriwarrh Health chief executive Belinda Scott said the milestone was a testament to the hard work of staff, and thanked everyone for doing their part. “Djerriwarrh Health Services has played a signiicant role in the Victorian government’s testing blitz,” she said. “The drive-through clinic is one way we can ensure maximum testing among our community, all from the comfort of their own cars. “The service was designed for people who were mildly unwell, work in high-risk situations or who just wanted to get tested for peace of mind during the statewide testing blitz.” Ewen McRae
Budget rates freeze By Ewen McRae Melton council is planning to freeze rates in its 2020-21 budget, as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues. hough many councils have considered a freeze on rate increases in their drat budgets, Melton is one of the few to have formally adopted the freeze in their drat budget. Melton mayor Lara Carli said that not increasing rates in the next inancial year was the council’s way of supporting the community
as much as possible through a diicult time for many. “We always strive to do what’s best for our community and this year that meant taking into account the hardship many residents have experienced as a result of the COVID-19 crisis,” Cr Carli said. “I’m really proud that we’ve been able to plan so many high quality services and facilities while also minimising the cost to ratepayers. A zero per cent rate rise will make a considerable diference to our residents.” he drat budget, endorsed at last week’s
council meeting, also includes plans for $105.6 million in capital works, including a diverse mix of buildings ($44.6 million), leisure and community facilities ($18.5 million), road upgrades ($31.9 million), footpaths and cycle-ways ($1.3 million), library books ($518,000), and public art ($200,000). his includes construction of the Eynesbury Station Early Learning Centre, extension of the Caroline Springs Community Facility, construction of Boundary Road from Mount Cottrell Road to the Outer Metropolitan Ring
Road, extension of the Taylors Hill Youth and Community Centre, continued works to develop the Cobblebank Indoor Stadium, installation of traic lights at a number of major intersections, and expansion of the Melton Recycling Facility. “I’d encourage everyone to take a look at the drat budget and share your views with us to ensure the inal budget meets the needs of our community now and into the future,” Cr Carli said. he drat budget is open for community feedback until July 22.
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