COVID-19 Harship policy support extended

COVID-19 Harship policy support extended

Published on 18 June 2021

Gannawarra Shire residents and businesses impacted by restrictions to stop the spread of COVID-19 will continue to benefit from measures outlined in Council’s COVID-19 Hardship Policy, with Councillors agreeing to extend the policy’s operations until a further review on or before 30 September 2021.

Approved in April 2020 and extended following reviews in September 2020 and March 2021, 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.

“Since its adoption in April 2020, 163 ratepayers impacted financially by COVID-19 restrictions have taken up the interest relief available in this policy,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“Many residents and business owners continue to be impacted economically by the COVID-19 pandemic, as evident by the recent circuit breaker period.”

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 O’Reilly 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 COVID-19 are encouraged to phone the Department of Health Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 or visit www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus