Council
18 April, 2024
Reduced hours permanent at shire office
MOYNE Shire Council has permanently shortened the open hours of its Mortlake office.
The Mortlake-based Moyne Shire Council office, based at 1 Jamieson Avenue, will now only be open for customer service between 10am and 3pm.
The office had previously been open from 8.45am through to 4.45pm.
A Moyne Shire Council spokesperson said the decision was made in response to data collected from staff and visitation, and a trial last year due to circumstances surrounding staff movement proved successful.
“Hours were altered in December as a trial and in response to staffing changes at the Mortlake Office, which allowed the customer service centre to be opened while recruitment for replacements were underway,” the spokesperson said.
“Following the trial, the decision has been made to permanently alter the opening hours of Mortlake Customer Service to 10am-3pm Monday to Friday, which reflects the hours most customers visit the centre.”
The spokesperson acknowledged the reduction in hours could impact some members of the community, but said the reduction would increase efficiency as the office had few visitors each day.
“We understand this may be an inconvenience to some customers, but the change is to ensure our teams are working in the most effective and efficient way possible and representing value for money for our ratepayers,” the spokesperson said.
“It ensures we can continue to provide customer service functions for the Mortlake community.
“Data collected showed on average there were four visits to Mortlake Customer Service per day.”
The spokesperson said all regular services would continue during normal business hours, while most functions could also be completed either online, by phone or through third-parties, such as the Mortlake Post Office, outside of the shire’s open hours.
The Moyne shire spokesperson also stated there was no plans to make any further changes to hours at the Mortlake-based Moyne Shire Council office.
“Visitors are still able to make payments for rates and other notices and while the majority of community engagement (surveys etc.) can be completed online, an in-person offering through our customer service centres being continued,” the spokesperson said.
“Customers are still able to contact council via phone and email during business hours.
“Rates and other payments can be made over the counter at any Australia Post outlet if the Mortlake Customer Service Centre is not open.
“Customers can also make an appointment to meet with individual staff based at the Mortlake Office at any time convenient and online services are also available.”