#InThisTogether – support for residents and businesses (3 April)
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Published on 03 April 2020
Today Macedon Ranges Shire Council launches #InThisTogether – a campaign to support residents and businesses during the current coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
Chief Executive Officer, Margot Stork said the new financial support measures would take effect immediately and would assist the community, residents, businesses, staff and sporting clubs.
“These are unprecedented times for Council, our community and businesses,” Ms Stork said. “We are all in this together, supporting each other at this very challenging time.”
New support measures by Council include:
Debt collection activities on 2019/20 unpaid rates and outstanding amounts ceased on 17 March and will remained ceased until 30 September 2020. Interest will not be charged for overdue rates or other payments through to September 30 2020. Penalties for late payment of 2020/21 animal registrations due 10 April 2020 will not be applied until 30 September 2020.Other existing measures to help residents, businesses, staff and sporting clubs include:
A process to allow suppliers to request earlier payment than Council’s 30-day standard terms to assist cash flow. Requests can be made by emailing [email protected] Groups which hold facility leases with Council are able to request a waiver of their lease fee/rent as a result of the pandemic impacting their sporting, community and hospitality venue operations.Ms Stork said COVID-19 was having a far-reaching impact on the community and Council staff and Councillors were committed to supporting the community through this time of uncertainty.
“We have been working on ways to reduce the pressure on our community, businesses and sporting clubs. Please contact us so we can help,” Ms Stork said.
“There are a range of options available for those facing financial hardship, and this includes the ability to enable flexible payments and defer payments.
“We know many businesses are facing cash flow challenges. We have the option to pay our suppliers invoices promptly to support the businesses that assist us deliver services to the community.
“We will also review our current budget to redirect funding to assist small business and our community groups in recovery,” she said. “This will be an ongoing project – we are in this together, and for as long as necessary.”
Ms Stork encouraged any residents experiencing financial difficulties to reach out and contact Council by calling (03) 5422 0333 or emailing [email protected]
View the Financial Hardship Policy
#InThisTogetherThe #InThisTogether initiative looks at supporting the wellbeing of the community at this time and finding innovative ways to deliver services and programs while Council-run centres are closed.
“Already our fitness staff at the Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre are sharing videos to encourage people at home to keep moving and exercising,” Ms Stork said.
“You’ll start to see these initiatives rolling out in coming days and weeks, so keep an eye out for #InThisTogether across our social media channels and on our website.
“We encourage you to join the conversation by using the #InThisTogether on social media and help us spread the positive stories of residents, groups and businesses doing great things.”
For more information on COVID-19, visit the Australian Government Department of Health and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services
You can also contact Council by calling (03) 5422 0333 or emailing [email protected]