Council support package responds to COVID-19 impact

Businesses and community members will benefit from East Gippsland Shire Council’s decision to waive, refund or reduce a number of fees and charges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Restrictions to limit the spread of the virus mean some council services are not operating, while businesses that have closed are receiving no benefit from council permits for which they have paid fees.

Most waivers and refunds apply from April 1 to June 30, 2020.

The COVID-19 Community and Business Support Package’s community-focused changes include halving all planning permit application fees, waiving library fines for overdue items, and suspending the standing user group fees for council-operated recreation facilities until June 30, 2020.

The expiry date for disabled parking permits and the due date for animal registration payments will both be extended to June 30, 2020.

East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr John White said the COVID-19 Community and Business Support Package is estimated to cost $714,500.

“This is a tough time for many people in our community, following on from drought and the bushfires. This COVID-19 support package is intended to complement the support measures already implemented in response to those other two events which have also significantly affected our communities and businesses,” Cr White said.

As part of the COVID-19 Community and Business Support Package, the business sector will have fees such as Goods on Footpath, council roadside trading permits, and health registrations refunded for the period April 1 to June 30, 2020.

Commercial tenants leasing or licencing council-managed land will have their rent waived from April 1 to June 30, 2020 if their business has been affected by the pandemic. The waiver may be extended depending on individual circumstances.

Tenants of these properties will have no market review or CPI increases on rent until after March 31, 2021.

“Council is committed to helping our communities and businesses through this period. This package is one way of doing that, and we are certainly looking for all opportunities to assist where we can,” Cr White said.

“This pandemic is uncharted territory for everyone and unfortunately has come when our region was already experiencing a particularly difficult and stressful time with drought and bushfire.

“We will review this support package and, if further initiatives are needed, a report will be presented to the August Council meeting.

“I urge anyone who needs assistance to look into the COVID-19 support available for individuals and businesses, whether that be from council or other bodies, to help you during this time.”