City of Darwin has actioned a stimulus package to support Darwin businesses and the local economy during the COVID-19 response.
The measures include:
- Car Parking fees and charges for CBD on-street parking are waived from 18 March 2020 for an initial period of 60 days (time restrictions still apply);
- The charging of interest on outstanding rates balances is suspended from 18 March 2020 until 30 June 2020; and.
- Council will identify options for encouraging residents to shop and dine in Darwin.
Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said Council had a community leadership role to ensure that we support our local businesses and jobs while maintaining service continuity for the wider community during the unfolding COVID-19 response event.
“We will bring forward several major infrastructure projects to ensure money continues to flow promptly through the local economy at this time.”
Council also endorsed a new purchasing policy that increases local content weighting from 20% to 30% for procurement as our commitment to ensuring we put Darwin first.
City of Darwin CEO Scott Waters said Council was implementing a range of additional, proactive health and safety measures to ensure staff and the community are provided with the safest services possible.
These include:
- Providing hand sanitisers and hygiene posters throughout council buildings and public amenities;
- Increased focus on hard surface cleaning of council offices, playground equipment and exercise equipment;
- Cleaning of public toilets has been increased from once to twice a day;
- Public barbecue areas and water bubblers are being cleaned with disinfectant;
- More frequent emptying of public rubbish bins;
- Increased availability and use of personal protective equipment for cleaning staff and contractors; and
- A ban on all staff interstate work travel.
Mr Waters said an assessment of all Council events and programs was underway to be in line with the updated guidelines issued today by the Australian and NT Government Health Departments.
“We are being prepared and cautious to ensure the risk to the Darwin community and our staff is as low as possible.”
“We will continue to act swiftly and take action as needed.”
