Council Endorse A Number Of Business Support Measures In Special Meeting

This morning Gympie Regional Council endorsed a number of support measures for local businesses.

At this morning’s Special Meeting, councillors unanimously supported to extend the discount period and due date for any unpaid commercial rates to 9 July 2020.

Interest will also be extended for a three-month period. Fees and charges may also be amended, reduced or waived where considered a necessary and appropriate response to the COVID-19 situation.

Gympie Regional Council CEO Bernard Smith said the measure would be a “small step, but important first step in helping those in the community hit the hardest.”

“This situation is evolving every day,” said Mr Smith.

“Extending rates to businesses means it is one expense operators do not have to worry about for the moment.

“We estimate this move by council will leave about $3 million in the local economy over the period,” he said.

Council also noted a report regarding the organisation’s business continuity plan.

The plan provided councillors with an over view of essential services and how they are being carried out.

“In many ways it is business as usual for large parts of the organisation,” said Mr Smith.

“The community should feel secure in the fact council staff are working extremely hard behind the scenes to make sure your essential services are maintained.

“Like the entire world, our community is facing a rapidly unfolding and changing situation.

"Council is remaining flexible in its response.” He said.