COVID-19: compliance in backpacker accommodation

UPDATE 12.24pm Monday 30 March 2020

Waverley Council is actively carrying out on-site inspections of backpackers and boarding house-type facilities and other residential properties of concern.

The Council has enforcement powers under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and the Local Government Act and is checking on compliance with any conditions or requirements under these Acts found during these inspections.

The Council is also pointing out public health issues during inspections and will report breaches to the appropriate authorities depending on the issue and the relevant legislation. The Council does not have enforcement powers under the Public Health Act but will report breaches if corrective action is not taken.

Council officers have also been distributing NSW Health factsheets to increase awareness of social distancing and Health advice.

Waverley Council has been informed by NSW Health that it is working on a strategy for addressing concerns with backpacker and boarding house-type facilities. The Council will await further advice from NSW Health with regards to this strategy. Our number-one priority is the health of our community. We all have a role to play to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

For the Council’s latest responses to COVID-19, visit waverley.nsw.gov.au. For the latest Health advice, visit health.nsw.gov.au/coronavirus

- Paula Masselos

Mayor of Waverley