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The Council’s Financial Assistance Package takes into account a number of factors which the Council will continue to review as the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic evolve and as the Council develops its 2020–2021 Annual Budget.

Most financial assistance packages will be delivered by the Federal and State Governments, however the Council’s package deals with components which the Council has direct control over.

Ratepayers and community services

Ratepayers will receive immediate relief through the waiver of interest and fines for any unpaid Fourth Quarter Rates instalments. The Council will also continue to assess applications where ratepayers are experiencing financial hardship on a case-by-case basis and provide them with assistance that is best suited to their circumstance.

“What the community wants from the Council now is leadership, understanding and compassion. We will do our absolute best to meet these expectations and serve our community in the best ways possible within the current climate and our financial capacity,” says Mayor Robert Bria.

As such, residents who access ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ and Community Care Services and are experiencing difficulty making payment for invoiced services will have payments deferred for a period of up to three months following which the situation will be reviewed.

Local businesses

“It’s also imperative that the Council take every possible opportunity to support local businesses and the local economy through this difficult period, particularly as local businesses provide significant employment opportunities for our community,” says Mayor Robert Bria.

• Discretionary rebates equal to the Fourth Quarter payment for businesses within The Parade Precinct that are required to pay The Parade Separate Rate. (Note: only properties located within The Parade Precinct pay a Separate Rate).
• Refunds of the June Quarter (ie from 23 March to 30 June 2020) Outdoor Dining Permit fee for Outdoor Dining Permit Holders that have paid in full and providing a credit for those who have not paid in full.
• Outdoor Dining Permit Holders required to make a payment for the installation of bollards associated with their outdoor dining area will have payments deferred for three months to June 2020, with these payment arrangements reviewed at 30 June 2020.

Local sporting clubs, organisations and leaseholders

“Local sporting clubs and organisations together with leaseholders of Council facilities are also facing financial difficulties as they adapt to the current circumstances. The Council has therefore agreed to number of measures that will help them navigate loss of revenue over the coming months.”

• Financial commitments for sporting clubs and organisations using Council facilities will be waived for a period of three months to 30 June 2020.
• Loans and co-contribution agreements will also be deferred for the same period with a review of those arrangements after 30 June 2020.
• The arrangements for tenants of all Council buildings and facilities will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, in line with the Council’s current financial hardship policy and principles set out by the Federal Cabinet.

Mayor Bria said this current suite of measures is just the beginning of support which will be offered by the Council and addresses the period to 30 June 2020.

“Over the coming weeks, the Council will consider a Financial Support Package to manage the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic into the next financial year.

“This package will be considered as part of the draft 2020–2021 Annual Budget.”

The Council is currently preparing information about how to access the Financial Assistance Package which will be available on the Council’s website at within the coming days.

Mayor Bria encourages ratepayers who are experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic to contact the Council sooner rather than later to discuss their particular situation.