Work has begun on improvements at the base of the stairs at Back Beach.
Many residents have told Council that it was difficult to walk from the stairs to the sand because of the loose rock in the area.
The work to be undertaken over the next two weeks includes the construction of a concrete landing at the base of the stairs and the repositioning of some large rocks to protect the landing from being covered by material washed in at high tide.
While some people had hoped a path could be constructed from the base of the stairs to the sand, such a path was likely to be covered with rock most of the time and could be a hazard when underwater.
Council believes the landing offers people the best chance to navigate a path between the stairs and the sand.
While the work is being undertaken an alternate access point will be available for the public.
A walking track renewal project has also begun this week at Don.
It will cover 120 m and extend along the full length of the southern boundary fence of the Don Railway.
In response to high community demand for exercise opportunities due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, Council has decided to keep the track open while the project is being undertaken.
Diversions will be in place and the track will need to be closed for the final hot mix works in about a fortnight.
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SmartClinics has set up a Respiratory Clinic in Devonport in partnership with the Federal Department of Health.
This clinic is specifically purposed to address 80% of respiratory cases including cough, cold, sore throat and other symptoms that may indicate COVID-19.
The clinic is located at 144 William Street, is free to patients and is GP-led.
Patients can book by calling 1300 411 748 or via https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/devonport-TAS-7310/devonport-respiratory-clinic/doctors [1]
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There has rarely been a more important time than the current COVID-19 pandemic for all of us to take some “me time” and keep an eye on our health and well-being.
There remains a lot of uncertainty about the nature of the disease, its scope and potential impact.
The emotional stress which comes from this affects everyone in the community, although in different ways. Those who have had to self-isolate, or enter a period of quarantine, will be impacted deeply. Those who are working also have concerns and fears.
The good news is that for most people the distress can be tolerated and can be improved with the care and support of families and the community. Others may require more professional support and specialised mental health support to stay on track, and it is OK to ask for help.
There are many tips available at the State Government’s pandemic site, www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au [2], and I would encourage everyone to check it out.
The most important thing we can all do is to maintain basic hygiene such as:
- frequent handwashing
- covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
- washing your hands often with soap and water
- using alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
If you are sick, avoid contact with others and stay more than 1.5 metres away from people who are unwell, Call your GP or the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 [3] for further advice.
Other ways that can help you stay healthy and calm include:
- trying to maintain routine – as much as possible in these times
- talking to your family and friends about your worries and concerns
- engaging in enjoyable activities and hobbies
- limiting alcohol and other comfort foods
- using trusted media outlets to get the information you need.
If you or someone you know is finding it difficult to participate in normal daily activities, has lost hope or interest in the future, or is experiencing an overwhelming sense of sadness that is severe or long lasting, then contact your GP.
You can also access a range of telephone and online supports through:
- Beyond Blue [4]: 1300 22 46 36 [5]
- Lifeline Australia [6]: 13 11 14 [7]
- Mens Line Australia [8]: 1300 78 99 78 [9]
- Kids Helpline [10]: 1800 551 800 [11]
- Rural Alive and Well (RAW) [12]: 1300 4357 6283 [13]
CR ANNETTE ROCKLIFF
MAYOR