Council approves million dollar coronavirus assistance package

Fraser Coast Regional Council will waive a range of charges and permit fees for local businesses, extend the due date for rates and provide grants for sport and community groups as part of a million dollar coronavirus financial assistance package approved today.

Mayor George Seymour said the situation with the coronavirus was rapidly evolving and the coming months would be challenging for everyone in the community.

“While the Australian and Queensland Governments have announced significant assistance measures, Council wants to do our bit to help our community through these tough times,” he said.

“The measures we are announcing today are designed to provide some relief to ratepayers and businesses, and support community and sporting groups that have had to cancel events.

“With the impacts on businesses and the community still unknown at this stage, we are committing at least a million dollars to deliver this financial assistance package but more may be needed.

“The type of local businesses this will assist include food businesses such as restaurants, cafes, mobile vendors and food stalls, camping grounds and caravan parks, and businesses that trade on footpaths.

“I want to make it clear that this is Council’s immediate response and we will consider further measures in the future, including as part of the 2020/21 budget process.”

The financial assistance package approved at today’s special Council meeting includes:

• Extending the due date for the current rates notice until 30 June 2020;
• A $500,000 grants program for sporting and community groups adversely affected by coronavirus restrictions, up to a maximum of $10,000 for each eligible group;
• Refunding all event application and permit fees for events cancelled as a result of coronavirus restrictions;
• Waiving of all airport related fees for commercial aircraft until 30 June 2020;
• Extending regulated premise licences and permits for six months at no charge;
• Providing a 100 per cent discount on new application fees for all regulated business activities up until 31 May 2020 and a 50 per cent discount from 1 June 2020 to 30 June 2020.

Council also agreed to direct the CEO to report back before 30 June 2020 with further rates concessions options for the 2020/21 financial year, update Council’s financial hardship policy and consider other measures to reduce the financial impact of the coronavirus on the community.

“This is an unprecedented situation and we will get through it if we stick together and work together,” Cr Seymour said.

“I urge everyone to stay calm, stay kind and stay informed.”

Anyone seeking more information and the latest advice about the coronavirus is encouraged to visit www.health.gov.au and www.health.qld.gov.au/coronavirus or call the Federal Government hotline on 1800 020 080.

More information about Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council support for businesses is available here. 

More information about Australian Government support for individuals is available here.