Mayor seeks COVID-19 support

Published on 26 March 2020

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) dominated debate at last night's Council meeting, with Mayor Darriea Turley AM rolling out several approaches to provide extra support for the city.

In the first of three Mayoral Minutes, Mayor Turley called for Federal and State Governments to provide a stimulus package to local Councils to help protect the community from economic fallout.

The city has experienced numerous business closures and increased unemployment, and Council itself has had $2 million wiped from its books already due to the virus.

In the second Mayoral Minute Council enacted several financial changes to ease the financial burden on local businesses and residents.

Staff will now be able to prioritise local businesses and spend up to $5000 locally without having to source multiple quotes as is usually the case.

Council will aim for a seven-day turnaround time on creditor payments and has suspended all debt collection and interest on unpaid rates.

"Well continue to review our situation and hopefully implement further relief if possible, but the reality is that Council is really struggling with the fallout from this virus just like every other organisation," she said.

In the final Mayoral Minute of the night Council discounted the head tax on REX airlines in an effort to retaining some local air services for essential medical travel.

"Broken Hill relies heavily on the air route between Broken Hill and Adelaide for medical services," said Mayor Turley.

"We've provided the financial relief REX requested of us, so hopefully they are able to keep this vital route running in some capacity."

For a summary of last night's meeting please click here.