Additional COVID-19 support measures for Liverpool community

With the impacts of COVID-19 front of mind, Liverpool City Councillors have endorsed additional measures at the 30 September meeting to support the Liverpool community.

Councillors resolved to introduce a rebate program for landowners who were affected by mandatory restrictions and can demonstrate a 30 per cent loss in rental revenue for a levied property in the Liverpool city centre between 1 April and 30 June or 1 July and 30 September. The existing rent relief initiative for Council tenants will also be extended.

“Liverpool City Council recognises businesses and the wider community are facing financial strain and we are doing all we can to provide assistance,” Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said.

“The newly endorsed measures complement a host of initiatives we’ve been rolling out since April, which includes the distribution of $172,000 in grant funding to 50 small businesses, hosting online workshops and a business resilience development program, and developing a local business directory and Shop Local campaign.”

The most recent measures were introduced the same day Mayor Waller and Liverpool City Council Acting CEO Dr Eddie Jackson met with the NSW Small Business Commissioner Chris Lamont and the NSW Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope for a tour of key sites in Liverpool that are helping to drive economic and jobs growth.

“As the home of Western Sydney International Airport, the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and the Liverpool Innovation Precinct, we know the investment into our growing city provides numerous opportunities now and into the future,” Mayor Waller said.

“We also recognise that while there's a bright future ahead for Liverpool, Council has needed to continue thinking innovatively about ways to provide support that will keep local businesses and the wider community going strong.”

In addition to the endorsed measures, Council will also be ramping up its Support Local campaign as part of NSW Small Business Month this October.

“We’ll be sharing videos through our social media platforms that showcase local businesses which have demonstrated their resilience and adaptability to keep going strong,” Mayor Waller said.

“We’re also providing additional assistance to small businesses to enhance their online presence and maximise exposure, but their success is also dependent on the support of our wonderful Liverpool community.

“Please do your bit to help our business community by shopping and eating locally, and remember to practise good hygiene and social distancing when out and about.”

Community members are encouraged to visit www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/weareopen for a list of local businesses which are open, while businesses should visit www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/covid19business for up-to-date support information.

Council will contact landowners and its tenants directly by mid-November to provide further information about the new support measures.