Council rates will be waived
from 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2020 for the estimated 130 Greater Geelong
businesses which have been required by state government coronavirus directions
to fully close, at a cost of approximately $262,000.
These impacted businesses include
gyms, cinemas, function centres and night clubs. Council’s decision includes
businesses that can prove they were required to shut down due to the State Directions
but haven’t been identified as part of the 130 affected businesses. The rates
waiver will be reviewed again in June.
Council has also endorsed a
total of $283,907 in financial support to the 1,482 local businesses who pay
the Central Geelong Special Rate, which will cover a quarter of the annual
special rate.
The special rate raises $1.13
million each year to develop and implement programs that support Central
Geelong’s activation. These activities deliver more than $20 million of total
economic output per year, supporting over 30,000 jobs within the city centre.
The special rate funding will
be covered within the City’s 2019-20 Budget, ensuring the Central Geelong
Marketing Committee’s capacity to support Central Geelong businesses through
the pandemic isn’t reduced.
This $556,000 round of
financial support takes the total value of Council’s coronavirus support
measures to $5.45 million for the community, plus
a special COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy. The policy offers businesses and
residents experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the
pandemic the ability to access deferral of fees, charges and rent, and interest
on all debts from 1 March 2020 are on hold. Under special circumstances these fees,
charges, rent and rates may also be waived. Anyone wishing to discuss their
options is invited to email [email protected] or call 03 5272
5272.
Last night’s Council decision
supports a wide range of businesses which have been significantly impacted by
the pandemic.
Council’s
committed to helping businesses, community groups and residents impacted by the
pandemic and has previously committed to a third package to be delivered in
June. This support is expected to centre on initiatives that will assist in the
region’s medium and long-term recovery.
Councillor Stephanie Asher - Mayor
Council is focused on
providing targeted relief to those who need it, which is why the community can
expect another coronavirus support package in June. Meanwhile, we have agreed
to waive rates for businesses across the region who have been forced to close
during the period of restricted activities. We have also agreed to pay a
quarter of the Central Geelong Special Rate so that local businesses have
relief for the period of lockdown.
Councillor
Eddy Kontelj
Many
small businesses are no longer trading through no fault of their own and are
doing it tough. Many are at desperation stage and they are pleading for our
support. They are finding themselves financially stressed and mentally
fatigued, which is why we need to immediately ease the financial burden on
them.
Businesses
are currently doing everything they can just to survive and we need them to be
strong, as the region works to climb out of the restrictions. This reprieve
will go towards that. I’m pleased council’s taking another step to support
these local businesses, which are the backbone of our community and employ many
residents.