Support measures available to assist all ratepayers

Support measures available to assist all ratepayers

Published on 09 April 2020

Baw Baw Shire Council has introduced several support measures to financially assist ratepayers in response to the coronavirus pandemic, with further support announcements still to come.

Initial support measures include:

Extension of time: Payment terms for the fourth instalment have been extended by one month, from 31 May to 30 June 2020. Penalty interest will be exempt for this period. Hardship Policy: The policy outlines options available to those facing financial hardship. The policy and an application form for assistance are available on Council’s website or by contacting Council by phone. Talk to us: All residents who require additional relief are encouraged to contact Council as soon as possible to check eligibility for other supports and make appropriate payment arrangements for their situation.

Pensioner Concession Card and Veterans Affairs Gold Card holders are also eligible for further rates and levy concessions through the Victorian Government. For more information please visit http://services.dhhs.vic.gov.au/concessions-and-benefits

These measures are intended to assist ratepayers to spread their outgoing costs over a longer period of time and allow more time for impacted residents to access government support payments to assist with outgoing costs.

Additional support measures for community members, groups and local businesses are being considered with further measures to be announced in due course.

Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Danny Goss

“Since the lockdowns commenced, we’ve been working tirelessly to come up with ways to support our residents and local businesses who may be doing it tough. These challenges are something we have never before faced as a society and understand that Council has a part to play in easing the burden on our community.”

“This is the first stage of support measures, and we are continuing to work on further measures to support residents, community groups and local businesses. More details will be released soon.”