Council endorses more coronavirus support measures

Council has endorsed a third series of measures to assist businesses and the community respond to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Following initiatives announced 12 February and 20 March, today’s support measures include the fast tracking of projects for the Cairns CBD and the waiving of rental fees for business leasing Council facilities.

Mayor Bob Manning said Council was continuing to find ways to support the community at this challenging time.

“Businesses in Cairns are doing it extremely tough right now,” Cr Manning said. “Rather than being a busy time for us with visitors bustling along our footpaths and filling our shops, our city is almost completely devoid of activity.

“The initiatives Council has endorsed today will help to keep businesses open today, and provide a foundation for when we come out the other side of this crisis.”

City projects fast tracked

Erosion control along the Cairns Esplanade and renewal of the Lagoon pool plaza are among a number of significant CBD projects to be brought forward to reduce impacts on businesses once coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

The projects were selected based on the estimated time for planning, design, consultation, procurement of materials and contractors, and delivery within a six month timeframe.

Cr Manning said that while the pandemic was causing unprecedented disruption, restrictions to stop the spread of the coronavirus did provide an opportunity for Council to bring forward some projects in the city.

“Although there is no real certainty of when the current health restrictions will be eased or lifted, Council has looked at projects that could be substantially completed within a six month period,” he said.

“These are projects that would normally create significant disturbances for traders and their patrons, and we know that businesses are not going to want disruptions to their trade once restrictions are lifted.”

Projects to be fast tracked include:

The projects will also provide direct benefits to the Cairns economy with opportunities for local contractors to deliver elements of the accelerated works.

There was consideration given to bringing forward the Esplanade Dining Precinct renewal, but as the concept design has not been approved and consultation was not at an advanced stage, it was decided the project could not be commenced in the short-term.

Council waives rental fees

Council will waive rental payments for lessees of Council owned and/or managed facilities negatively impacted by the coronavirus.

Last month, Council moved to assist restaurant and cafe lessees with a 50 per cent reduction in rental payments.

Following the Federal Government’s announcement on 7 April on a mandatory code of leasing principles for small and medium businesses, Council has reviewed the current assistance and will now waive all rental payments from 1 April until June 30, at which time a review will determine the need for further assistance.

No concession will be provided for lessees who receive the majority of their income from a Government entity as this income remains largely unaffected as a result of the pandemic and they would not ordinarily qualify for the Commonwealth Government’s JobKeeper Program.

Financial impacts of coronavirus

The financial impost of Council initiatives in response to the coronavirus crisis, including a three-month extension of rate payments and the fast tracking of $2.5 million of maintenance works, were outlined at today’s meeting.

The report noted that there was twice the amount of outstanding rates for this time of year, and when combined with other financial impacts, Council was anticipating a $20 million cash shortfall for this financial year.

However, Cr Manning said Council’s financial position would become clearer following next month, particularly after the May 27 rate payment deadline.

“At that time, Council will be able to consider its financial position and contemplate the ongoing impacts of this crisis,” Cr Manning said.

“We want those people who can pay their rates to do so. However, we know there will be people experiencing genuine hardship who will not be able to pay, and we would encourage those people to contact Council to discuss their options.”

Cr Manning said that further measures to respond to the crisis would be considered during the forthcoming Budget process.

“Given the significant impact of this crisis on our city, as well as potential future impacts, Council will take the next couple of months, as part of the 2020/21 Budget deliberations, to carefully consider all options available to continue to support its ratepayers and the community,” Cr Manning said.