Prospect Council to waive some rates and put food on tables in light of COVID-19
An inner-north council will give its ratepayers restaurant vouchers as part of a COVID-19 support package to help local businesses. It comes as it waived rates entirely for some commercial ratepayers.
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Businesses impacted by COVID-19 restrictions will have rates waived or reduced, while vulnerable residents will be given food vouchers to use at local restaurants, as part of Prospect Council’s support package to soften the blow of the coronavirus pandemic.
The council tonight voted to introduce a series of support measures – worth $620,000 – for businesses, community groups and residents struggling in the wake of the pandemic.
Businesses forced to close entirely following Federal Government guidelines have had rates waived this quarter, while others that have been affected can apply for a 50 per cent discount.
Leases and licenses have been waived for sporting clubs and community groups using its facilities while residents experiencing hardship will be able to defer rate payments without penalties until December 31.
The council will also give “vulnerable residents” $25 food vouchers to use at local cafes and restaurants as part of a “stimulus” program called Prospect Delivers for the hospitality sector.
“We want to set Prospect and our community up to rebound after the emergency,” Prospect Mayor David O’Loughlin said.
“The package will also support winter sporting clubs so they can get through to the next season.”
The council will issue more than 4400 food vouchers to residents already identified in the council’s welfare check program.
Other people who can sign up for the Prospect Delivers stimulus include seniors, those with a disability, mental illness, compromised immunity, as well as people required to self isolate or experiencing financial hardship.
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The program could run anywhere between eight to 12 weeks with traders, who must register to be a part of the program, required to collect vouchers for the council to reimburse.
“We are standing shoulder to shoulder with our local cafes and restaurants,” Mr O’Loughlin said.
“They have been such an important part of the renaissance of our city (and) they are doing it very tough at the moment – this package is targeted to give them every chance of surviving.”
Vouchers will be distributed this month.