Council in brief

February 22, 2021

Renewed support for community groups

Gunnedah Shire Council has renewed financial support measures for three community groups, with Arts Gunnedah, Multicultural Gunnedah and Riding for the Disabled to receive in-kind contributions for use of Council facilities.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said Council was proud to support the valuable contributions of local volunteer groups.

“Council offers in-kind funding to community organisations to support local community, cultural, sporting and environmental projects and initiatives benefiting our region,” Cr Chaffey said.

“As part of determinations made during the February Council meeting, Arts Gunnedah will continue to use of the front gallery in the Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre, providing a space for local artists to exhibit and sell their work.

“Multicultural Gunnedah will receive 12 months financial assistance to offset the cost of venue hire for monthly meetings. This volunteer organisation assists people from other nations to find their feet and become established within the Gunnedah Shire.

“We have also waived Showground booking fees for the Riding for Disabled Association Gunnedah Centre for 2021. The Gunnedah RDA, run by volunteers, provides horse riding opportunities for disabled children and adults within the Gunnedah District.”

Changes to debt recovery actions

Gunnedah Shire Council will resume debt recovery procedures following the expiry of the Office of Local Government’s COVID-19 relief measures.

On April 15, 2020, Council resolved to adopt the Community Resilience – COVID-19 Business Support Package. Elements of this package included relief from interest for overdue rates, annual charges and fees.

In May 2020, the Office of Local Government temporarily amended the Local Government Act to support councils and ratepayers during the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes included the prevention of councils from commencing legal action to recover rates and charges.

Council will recommence recovery actions from April 1, 2021, but remains committed to providing support for ratepayers, businesses and residents who are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of COVID-19 and other extenuating circumstances.

Council’s continuing Debt Recovery and Hardship Policy outlines assistance available to residents experiencing difficultly paying rates, charges, fees or other debts. Features of the policy include payment plans, confidential third party financial counselling and exhausting all options before initiating recovery actions.

Council officers work sensitively with those facing financial hardship and anyone experiencing difficulty making a payment is encouraged to contact Council’s Financial Services team on (02) 6740 2100.

Caption: Arts Gunnedah will continue to exhibit and sell local art in the front gallery of the Bicentennial Creative Arts Centre.

ENDS

Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.