By Luke Voogt
Geelong council could waive rates for businesses shutdown by the coronavirus pandemic and residents struggling through “exceptional circumstances” after announcing a new hardship policy.
Council approved the $1.5 million COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy on Tuesday night bringing the City’s total coronavirus support to $4.9 million.
Under the policy, businesses and residents who pay rates, rent, fees and charges to council can apply to defer payments for a mutually-agreed period, or create a payment plan for rates.
Council will consider waiving rates until June 30 for businesses forced to close by the pandemic in its next meeting on April 28 after directing City Hall staff to investigate the measure.
Other potential support measures include waiving the Central Geelong Marketing levy until June 30 and suspending on-street parking fees for the rest of the year.
Council will consider the levy waiver next meeting and parking fees in June.
The hardship policy states council can consider waiving or reducing rates for residents experiencing “exceptional circumstances” who can demonstrate “severe impact”.
Only council’s chief executive officer can approve the waivers, to a maximum of $1000.
The $1.5 million hardship package includes $90,000 to extend a waiver on rent for community and sporting groups using council-owned land or facilities to September.
Under the package commercial waste customers can cancel or amend their collection without penalty and organisers of cancelled events can apply for refunds of council fees.
Council also allocated $50,000 to purchase fresh food for local food security, $100,000 to fast track plans for social housing and $80,000 for a small business online training program.
Council will spend an estimated $1.18 million to extend the refund of food and health premises registration fees from three months to 12 months.
“The measures we’re putting in place are all about providing targeted assistance where it’s most needed,” Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher said.
“Importantly, each case will be considered individually, so we encourage anyone suffering hardship to make contact with our team and have a discussion about your situation.”
The latest measures add to council’s $3.4 million package announced in March.
Councillors also endorsed City Halls decision to provide 1000 special free all-day parking permits to employees at University Hospital Geelong.
For a full list of measures announced: www.geelongaustralia.com.au/covid19
