COVID-19 Hardship Policy support to continue

COVID-19 Hardship Policy support to continue

Published on 18 March 2021

Gannawarra Shire Council’s COVID-19 Hardship Policy will continue to provide support to residents and business owners impacted by restrictions to stop the spread of COVID-19, with Councillors agreeing to extend the policy’s operations until a further review on or before 16 June 2021.

Approved in April 2020 and extended in September 2020, the policy enables Council to hold interest on all outstanding rates-related debts during the COVID-19 pandemic and hold off on legal action of rates and charges.

“Restrictions implemented to stop the spread of COVID-19 have had a profound impact on our community,” Gannawarra Shire Council Acting Chief Executive Officer, Phil Higgins said.

“The economic impact is highly visible in the retail, commercial and tourism sectors, whilst restrictions have impacted numerous community, cultural and sporting events, which have flow-on effects to our business sector.”

The COVID-19 Hardship Policy is one of many support measures Council has implemented since April 2020 to help the community deal with and recover from this pandemic. These measures include:

Reducing hall hire and recreation reserve charges by 50 per cent; Waiving Footpath Trader permit fees and halving registration renewal fees for hospitality, beauty therapists, hairdressers and other health-related premises for 2020/21; A 50 per cent reduction in recreation reserve user fees for 2020/21, which applies to sporting clubs and organisations that utilise the Cohuna and Leitchville recreation reserves; Provision for the pro rata relief for business owners paying a multiple commercial garbage charge who are impacted by COVID-19.

““Measures outlined in our COVID-19 Hardship Policy are there to assist residents and business owners who cannot pay any outstanding bills at this time. However, it is important that those needing assistance phone Council on (03) 5450 9333 to request this support and discuss their situation with our friendly staff,” Mr Higgins said.

“Council will continue to assess the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our community and implement further changes as needed.”

For more information regarding Coronavirus and Council’s efforts, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

Residents who are concerned regarding Coronavirus are encouraged to phone the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 or visit www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus