Coronavirus Qld: Brisbane ratepayers get $31m relief

Brisbane City Council has revealed more than 4200 residents and businesses have applied for rates deferrals as southeast Queensland continues to feel the economic pressure of COVID-19.

BRISBANE City Council has revealed more than 4200 residents and businesses have applied for rates deferrals as southeast Queensland continues to feel the economic pressure of COVID-19.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said since announcing the relief package on March 23, those hard-hit by the coronavirus crisis had received up to $31 million in rates relief as thousands sought to defer payment of their rates for up to nine months.

No relief for business as Logan council rates notices issued

3000 ratepayers apply for relief but one in four denied and another 1000 awaiting a decision

Coronavirus Qld: Brisbane City Council sympathetic on rates

The relief initiative, initially revealed as an election promise in late March, will also be supported by a $7.9 million business recovery package to waive fees, charges and rent till June 30.

“The financial impacts of the coronavirus pandemic have been swift and catastrophic for residents, businesses, clubs and organisations and every level of government,” Cr Schrinner said.

“This is an economic disaster for many people, but we will recover, and council will take a sympathetic view if residents or businesses are struggling to pay their rates.”

Cr Schrinner said this year’s budget was still on track to be handed down on June 17, adding it would play a crucial part in helping council navigate through the next several months of coronavirus fallout.

“This Budget will be about responsible, steady economic management balancing continuing to stimulate the local economy, through job-creating infrastructure projects, with some difficult decisions,” he said.

“We are also working to balance the costs of coronavirus response initiatives and loss of revenue streams with the essential services we deliver every day.”

He said the recovery effort would also assisted by the newly established Economic Recovery Taskforce, announced last month, to be headed by the Mayor, who will work with council members and “key Brisbane stakeholders” to help inform economic decisions over the next several years.

“We are facing one of the biggest financial challenges in our history, but we are facing it with the strength, the experience and the good judgment needed to deliver for Brisbane residents, while honouring my long-term vision for a better Brisbane of tomorrow,” Cr Schrinner said.