Free on-street parking and up to six months deferral of rent payments on City-owned properties are some of the measures the City of Fremantle has put in place to help businesses through the COVID-19 crisis.
The City will also defer all statutory fees for six months and has waived alfresco dining fees.
Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said the business relief measures were designed to supplement the COVID-19 support already being offered by the state and federal governments.
“This is clearly a very difficult time for local businesses, with many of them restricted to online or take-away trade and others choosing to close down altogether,” Mayor Pettitt said.
“The City has taken steps to take some of the pressure off local businesses by deferring rent payments for tenants of City-owned properties and deferring or waiving a number of fees and charges for other businesses.
“We will also negotiate with City tenants on a case-by-case basis to make adjustments to outgoings like power and water, and we will offer individual payment plans on council rates to those who are experiencing financial hardship.
“I expect we will be making further announcements about rates in the coming days.”
Mayor Pettitt said the free on-street parking would apply until the end of June and may be extended beyond that if necessary.
“Time limits will still apply but this will at least make it easier for businesses and residents to access our key retail areas and support those businesses that are still trading in these challenging times,” he said.
The City of Fremantle, as part of its , has partnered with to deliver complimentary one-on-one advisory sessions to provide information about the federal and state stimulus packages.
A complete list of the state and federal support measures is available through the portal on the City’s website.
Business Foundations can offer the service online, over the phone or face-to-face if required. Advisors will spend an hour with each business providing tailored advice.
