Financial relief report next week

28 January 2020

In a further effort to support the members of our community who have been impacted by the ongoing bushfire disaster, Council will consider a report outlining all proposed financial relief and waivers for rates, fees and charges at next Wednesday’s (5 February) Council meeting.

Bega Valley Shire Council’s General Manager, Leanne Barnes, said that with Council fully recognising the devastating impact of the situation, the consideration of this report would be another key step in what promises to be a lengthy and challenging recovery period.

“The widespread impact on our people, economy and environment has and continues to be substantial and we are committed to do everything we can to assist,” Ms Barnes said.

“With the fires declared a natural disaster by the NSW Department of Justice, a number of support and funding mechanisms have been triggered for community members and Council.

“The intention of the Council report is to enable a detailed framework to be established for minimising and waiving general rates; waste management charges and gate fees; water and sewerage charges (including bill shock and firefighting allowances and water fill stations); development, planning and building; leases and licences for the use of Council land and/or facilities; onsite sewerage management charges; interest charges and pension concessions.

“When implemented this will enable rebuild funds available through personal insurance policies and Commonwealth and NSW Government support to be maximised,” Ms Barnes said.

The Office of Local Government and NSW Department of Planning are also considering rates and charges and fees. These will also be included in the report to the 5 February meeting (if available in time).

Council is also imploring anyone who has been impacted by the fires in any way to register with the Recovery Centre.

As a community we are a resilient bunch, however information and support are vital for the entire community as we move through the recovery phase.

In our travels we have come across many people who feel they haven’t been as impacted as others and have expressed concerns about taking up services, however it is absolutely vital that the message gets out loud and clear that all the support agencies are equipped and staffed to help all those impacted.

The home base for the Recovery Centre is the Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre in Zingel Place Bega and is open from 9.00am – 5.00pm weekdays and from 10.00am – 4.00pm on weekends.

You can make contact on 6499 2345 or via email at [email protected].

A range of services are available for you to meet with face to face, helping one step at a time.

Accessing the mobile service is another option, especially for those living in our more remote areas.

The Mobile Recovery Outreach Service is open between 10.00am and 2.00pm on the following days: