Coronavirus at home: NSW councils roll out financial relief packages to businesses, homes
Councils across NSW are going to extreme measures to reduce costs for ratepayers during the COVID-19 crisis gripping their communities — but critics are concerned some of the lengths being taken will have a negative impact.
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Councils across NSW are going to extreme measures to reduce costs for ratepayers during the coronavirus crisis gripping their communities — but critics are concerned some of the lengths being taken will result in their own staff being forced out of employment.
Millions of dollars worth of emergency relief packages, rate cuts and business relief plans have been rolled out by councils stretch across Greater Sydney, as well as in regional communities across NSW.
In an extreme case, Shoalhaven Council on the state’s south coast last night voted to reduce rates by a whopping $20 million, or 25 per cent, in order to support residents.
But Mayor Amanda Findley said councillors were “losing their heads in this crisis” as tensions boiled over in the chambers.
“This (decision) threatens council employment, programs and service,” she said.
“A 25 per cent reduction in rates … gives the most benefit to wealthy multiple landowners and developers, many who don’t even live in the Shoalhaven.”
The reaction from councils comes as the NSW Government introduced emergency legislation to parliament which will allow NSW Health to use private health facilities and streamline the rollout of State Vaccine Centres across the state.
The new measures will also see amendments to Planning to allow any development that “protects the health, welfare and safety of the community during the pandemic” to proceed without the normal development approvals.
Supermarkets will also be able to trade straight through the Easter and ANZAC DAY long weekend this year to ensure food and other essentials are available.
Councils across the state will not be forced to go back to the polls in September, and will also be able to hold official meetings electronically to rollout new measures to support ratepayers.
NewsLocal journalists across NSW have combined a list of all major measures by councils working in your community to decrease the impact of COVID-19.
EASTERN SUBURBS AND INNER CITY
Randwick Council has announced a $2.3 million Community Support Package to help local businesses and community groups under financial strain during the coronavirus pandemic.
Councillors were dotted around a large conference room in Little Bay on separate tables overnight, when they unanimously decided to approve the multimillion-dollar package.
The Support Package offers businesses and not-for-profit groups that use council-own facilities rental relief for four and six months respectively, with an estimated cost to council of up to $685,000.
Free parking will be made available to staff at Prince of Wales Hospital, while sporting clubs will be refunded any field hire costs for the winter season.
Gym and fitness groups — many of which have had to shut their doors — can use council parks free of charge as long as they keep to Government restrictions of no more than 10 people per group and social distancing under a new trial.
General manager Therese Manns said other support programs could soon be on their way.
While Mayor, Danny Said, said the community was facing a “once in a 100-year crisis”.
Interest fees will be waived on all overdue rates and charges for the next six months for residents and businesses.
A $1 million a month relief package has also been established by Waverley Council in response to the economic impact coronavirus has had on the community.
A council spokeswoman said its 15 point support package would provide immediate short-term support measures to assist small businesses, while council also investigates opportunities for rate relief to be rolled out under hardship provisions.
“Waverley’s relief package is aimed at helping all small businesses, including those in the retail and hospitality industries,” she said.
The relief package includes relaxed conditions to allow restaurants to provide takeaway services, waiving footpath seating fees, as well as fees associated with Health, hygiene, licensing and fire safety inspections.
“Fee waivers will be applied to outdoor fitness permits and to community markets such as Bondi Junction Mall, Carl Jeppesen Place and Roscoe St Mall,” she said. “On-street parking in commercial centres will focus on infringements where community safety access is a risk.
“Mobile vendor licence fees will be waived.”
Woollahra Council has rolled out a $5 million rescue package to save eastern suburbs businesses from a coronavirus induced collapse, while also turning off parking metres to provide financial relief to residents working from home in residential areas.
A council spokesman said bsuinesses in council-owned buildings would receive six months retal relief as part of the multimillion-dollar plan to prop up businesses through the pandemic.
“Council is not pursuing rates deferred on the basis of hardship,” a council spokesman told NewsLocal. “No missed rate instalment notices are being sent to residents.
“It should be noted that 45% of our residents are renters and so do not pay rates – new State and Federal Government legislation provides protection for the next 6 months.”
At Strathfield, council staff have introduced a Neighbour2Neighbour Program which seeks to connect vulnerable residents with neighbours who are in a position to help.
A council spokeswoman said a hotline has been set up to ensure those in our community who require special assistance are not forgotten.
“The hotline number is 9748 9939 and is open Monday – Friday from 8:30am – 5:00pm,” she said.
“Those who are in a position to assist and prepare a gift package of non-perishable food and essential personal hygiene items can register by emailing n2n@strathfield.nsw.gov.au
The spokeswoman said council will launch a campaign to support local businesses called Be Local Buy Local, encouraging the Strathfield community to lend a helping hand and purchase their household items at Strathfield local small businesses.
Burwood Council has also rolled out “unprecedented” plans including the launch of the ‘Burwood Cares’ program, aimed at supporting community and businesses by facilitating what’s happening in the area.
A council spokesman said it will share information and updates, explore alternatives to suspended community programs and provide links to other agency programs and services.
It is also looking to review its rates and charges hardship program and waive inspection fees for businesses.
“Council over the next three months will implement a freeze on rents for all cafes leased by Council and will reduce rents for Council’s tennis centre and childcare facilities by 50 per cent as well as implement an appropriate rent relief package for all sporting facilities and childcare centres for which Council is the landlord, with further relief measures to be assessed and implemented by the Mayor as needed,” the spokesman said.
City of Sydney told Newslocal it has “softened rates and debts recovery process and suspended all current subpoena actions” in response to COVID-19.
“While legislation prevents us from suspending land rates, residents that find themselves in financial hardship can apply to defer the payment of their rates and waste charges,” a council spokeswoman said.
“We can also make payment plans on a case-by-case basis and waive any associated late payment interest.”
The council’s homelessness unit continues to run seven days per week.
“Our Public Space Liaison Officers have been out across the city talking to people sleeping rough, providing the most up to date health information along with information about service provision as it changes,” she said.
“They are also working with the Department of Communities and Justice to get people sleeping rough into temporary accommodation and housing.”
Meals on Wheels service will continue as normal, with contingency plans in place to deal with any fresh food supply issues.
“We are also working to deliver toilet paper to everyone who uses the Meals on Wheels service, which has been generously donated by Woolworths,” the spokeswoman told NewsLocal. “And Frank Knight Real Estate has also provided the City with almost 1,000 toilet rolls for our Meals on Wheels recipients.”
NORTHERN SUBURBS
Small businesses across the Ryde local government area — particularly in Eastwood will benefit from a $500,000 small business hardship fund.
A Ryde Council spokeswoman said the fund will support the Eastwood businesses financially impacted by the coronavirus, while also creating a social media campaign to promote Eastwood.
Under the council resolution, Eastwood businesses with an annual turnover of less than $2 million will be able to apply for grants of up to $2,000 to provide financial support.
To be eligible for the grant council has created selection criteria including being located within the dedicated area of Eastwood business precinct, generate less than $2 million revenue per annum, and have experienced financial hardship and a downturn in revenue during 1 January-29 February 2020.
Mayor Jerome Laxale said council was working to avoid increasing rates — also looking at ways to “redistribute the rates” to help people in need.
Council is expected to discuss council rates in the April meeting over the draft budget.
The financial hardship fund may also be extended to residents who are unable to pay their rates.
In Hornsby, council has told council ranger to “avoid adding to stress” by refraining from issuing parking fine if it can be avoided.
“Council is considering a range of measures to hopefully ease the financial burden on residents during this difficult time,” a council spokesman said.
“Final decisions have not yet been made, but the full detail will be made public soon.”
Meanwhile, Mosman Council has decided to focus on measures to “mitigate the spread of COVID-19” by ensuring compliance with various health orders and directions.
A council spokesman said it was working collaboratively with businesses, community groups and the police to “protect the most vulnerable and the broader community”.
“Council has waived fees and charges associated with booking cancellations, outdoor dining and displays, and is offering significant rent reductions to its commercial tenants,” the spokesman said.
“Council has policies in place to deal with economic hardship, and any additional responses to that will be developed on a progressive basis.”
At Northern Beaches Council, staff and councillors have introduced a $1.2 million business support package that will waive fees, provide takeaway options for businesses and offer hardship provisions for rates and charges.
A Council spokeswoman said it was considering other measures for rent relief for impacted businesses as government announce additional measures, while also providing community care packages to the vulnerable.
Ku-ring-gai Council is working with local organisations such as Meals on Wheels, Ku-ring-gai Neighbourhood Centre and Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community Transport to provide practical assistance to vulnerable members of the community.
A council spokeswoman said with the wider assistance, efforts will continue to be expanded.
“A range of online services are available to residents including live chats through our website with customer service staff; free downloads of magazines, books and music; repair requests; waste service requests and phone meetings with planning staff,” the spokeswoman said.
“These online services will be further expanded and refined.
“We are also working on other online initiatives concerning mental health therapy and storytelling for children, to be made available shortly.”
Ku-ring-gai Mayor Jennifer Anderson said council will assess what further practical help can be given to businesses and residents with further announcements to come.
A Lane Cove Council spokesman told NewsLocal it was providing rental relief to all commercial council tenants, including those with footpath dining.
“(Council is) providing local businesses with access to a Business Crisis Management online training program including ongoing support for Lane Cove business owners,” the spokesman said.
“The course will be delivered by Grant Hartley from Brand Local and is designed to provide business owners with “simple and effective solutions that they can execute quickly at low to no cost”.
Council is also calling for residents who cannot pay recent rate instalments to apply for financial hardship.
WESTERN SYDNEY
In Parramatta countless community facilities including aquatic centres, libraries, playgrounds and halls have closed as council works to support ratepayers by providing concessions for ratepayers who have lost their jobs.
On March 23, Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer moved plans to waive fees for late rate payments.
Under the council’s “rates hardship policy’’, cash-strapped ratepayers can apply for assistance and eligible applicants can then enter into payment arrangements with the council.
The Hills Shire Council is working to ensure all waste collection, road repairs and Meals on Wheels continue to be provided to residents during shutdowns.
Hills Shire Mayor Michelle Byrne said council has changed the way staff interact with customers and were implementing changes to some of our services to minimise face-to-face contact to protect the health of our customers and staff, as well as complying with the relevant Public Health Orders issued by the State Government.
Council will also refund and not charge fees related to the cancellation of Council’s child care centre enrolments, Hills Community Care programs and venue hires, including halls and sporting fields.
A council spokeswoman said rates make up a significant portion of council’s revenue, which in turn pays for essential services and facilities used by residents in maintaining roads, parks, playgrounds and the removal of waste.
“Any decision to do otherwise would be very significant as the State Government expects Council’s services to continue as much as possible to support the community, especially during this pandemic,” she said. “There are a range of measures available to residents who are having difficulty in paying their rates and that applies regardless of the economic impact being felt as a result of COVID-19.
“Any ratepayer having difficulties should contact Council to discuss their situation.”
Hardship provisions and allowances are already available to residents and business owners in Blacktown, to support the payments of rates and charges.
A council spokesman told NewsLocal it already has “generous discounts for pensioners” in the payment of rates and charges.
“Council will discuss residents concerns in these areas on a case-by-case basis and will act on and be guided by Government advice,” the spokesman said.
Penrith Council is working to provide financial relief for cafes and restaurants currently facing economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fees and charges relating to outdoor and footpath dining permits have been waived for a total of 33 cafes and restaurants in the Penrith and St Marys CBD’s over the next 12 months.
Penrith Mayor Councillor Ross Fowler OAM said cafes and restaurants are an essential part of city and Council will do whatever they can to support them during this time.
“The hospitality sector has been hit very hard in the past week with forced closures and restrictions placed upon them by the Australian Government and we know that many of our small business owners are under enormous financial strain as a result,” Cr Fowler said.
In southwest Sydney, Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour has rolled out a $5 million relief package aimed at providing relief for small businesses.
Cr Asfour said businesses would be able to defer food and fire inspection payments for six months.
“As part of the coronavirus budget I also ask the general manager to identify any other fees and charges that could be waived, or deferred, to assist our community and small businesses,” he said.
Council will also allocate $250,000 to set up a Smart City-Smart Business Grant to assist businesses develop or improve their e-commerce capabilities and online marketing.
He said essential services like rubbish bin collection, maintaining parks and roads and delivery of Meals On Wheels would continue.
“If a staff member — including regular casual staff — is unable to work because they must self-isolate, council will pay up to two weeks special leave based on their forward rostered hours.”
While Liverpool Council chief executive, Kiersten Fishburn said council was looking into ways it could help local business, frontline healthcare workers and residents suffering hardship.
A Cumberland Council spokeswoman told NewsLocal its existing rates hardship policy would be available to assist any ratepayers affected by coronavirus.
“The policy ensures rate payers can apply to pay their rates using an instalment plan instead of paying them as a lump sum,” she said.
“At the next council meeting on April 1, Mayor Steve Christou is proposing further measures to provide relief for ratepayers.
“Mayor Christou will also propose measures to assist small businesses, including waiving fees for commercial footpath use.”
Other initiatives the council has rolled out to fight the economic downturn includes the Supporting Shop Local initiative, which is encouraging residents to support their local food and grocery stores business who are still open and offering take away and delivery services.
The council will also continue its business workshops and eLearning modules.
“A Crisis Management Webinar being organised between Cumberland Business Chambers and Cumberland City Council.,” the spokeswoman revealed.
SOUTHERN SYDNEY
A small business support package will be rolled out across the Sutherland Shire — providing rent relief for restaurants, council hospitality tenants and a review of food shop inspections, fees and charges.
At a council meeting on Monday, Sutherland Shire Council Mayor Carmelo Pesce said small business was the backbone of the local economy in a mayoral minute.
“Restaurant, cafe, bar and club operators across the Shire have been directed to provide takeaway and home delivery services only,” Cr Pesce said.
“This is a significant burden being borne by our hospitality business community to ensure public health – I recognise that those in the hospitality industry adversely affected by necessary government directions, need our support.”
Georges River Council has also laid out measures for the provision of services and small business support in the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor Kevin Greene authorised the general manager to take immediate action to help the Georges River community contend with the fallout from the pandemic.
“This may include allowing businesses to provide takeaway service even where their development consent may not allow this, relaxing enforcement of parking to increase takeaway trading, non-enforcement of trading and delivery hours for food, beverage and grocery stores and providing ongoing advice to the community about the council’s Debt Management and Hardship Policy,” he said.
A report will be drawn up for programs to respond to economic impacts addressing fees and charges, leases, licences, sports field hire and other fees, while also providing an economic and social recovery plan “after the pandemic has ended”.
In Campbelltown, Mayor George Brticevic told NewsLocal council was developing a range of measures to support residents and businesses.
“We have already implemented support programs including financial hardship support for residents, while all debt recovery has been stopped,” he said.
“Council’s business tenants can defer their rental payment until more information is available from the state and federal government regarding business support packages and we will expedite payment to businesses providing services to Council.
“Council will continue to proactively address the needs of the community and further support will be made available in the near future.”
A Wollondilly Council spokeswoman said waste is being collected, roads fixed, villages maintained and DA’s processed, “all without a hitch” during the coronavirus.
“Wollondilly takes a compassionate approach to anyone experiencing financial hardship at all times,” she said.
“Councillors have held an emergency workshop and we are preparing a small business support package to be announced later this week. “
Camden Council is taking on a series of “precautionary measures”, such as closing libraries, community centres, leisure centres, art galleries and it’s customer service centre, to help reduce the risk of the virus spreading.
“Council is currently investigating a number of different options to assist the community and small businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” a spokeswoman said.
All council events have been postponed and rangers will use discretion with parking fines.
BLUE MOUNTAINS
Calls to suspend rates altogether in theBlue Mountains couldn’t be fulfilled by concerned councillors — with a council spokeswoman telling NewsLocal it was “legally required to levy ratepayers”.
“Unfortunately we are not able to waive rates,” she said.
“Extended instalment payments plans may be available for ratepayers who need assistance, during this period.
“Council is looking at what other relief could be provided to the Blue Mountains community during this period — an announcement on this will be made at a later date.”
Council said its Katoomba Customer Contact Centre, Blaxland Resource Recovery and Waste Management Facility, public toilets and garbage collection will continue, however, the Katoomba Waste Management Facility will close to the public.
REGIONAL NSW
Newcastle Council has developed a “comprehensive community and business support package designed to help locals through the unprecedented effects of COVID-19”.
A council spokeswoman said the $5.5 million package, which has been designed to maintain the organisation’s financial sustainability, includes interest free payment plans for rates, rent reductions on council-owned buildings, free online training packages, and a boost to the City’s infrastructure program to deliver an economic stimulus.
A City Taskforce, led by the City of Newcastle will be established to act as the local co-ordinating authority to oversee the future recovery phases of COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
The council will also assist not for profit organisations and will expand its e-library offering in a commitment to support community wellbeing and the most vulnerable and emerging at-risk groups.
A Lake Macquarie City Council spokeswoman said it was considering a range of measures to provide relief to people and businesses in the community affected financially by COVID-19.
“Council appreciates the urgency of the situation, and is expediting the proposal with the aim of providing assistance as soon as possible,” she said.
“Any proposal must go before Council for consideration. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to refer to our website, where they can apply for Financial Hardship Assistance.
“We will consider measures to alleviate financial hardship for any ratepayer able to provide evidence of their situation.
The spokeswoman said Local government in NSW is not permitted to suspend rates.
Port Stephens Council’s existing Debt Recovery and Hardship Policy is in place to assist community members facing financial hardship.
A council spokeswoman said given the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19’s impacts on businesses and community members, council is reviewing this policy to see what more we can do for our community.
“We have created the Port Stephens Business Support Service — an allocation of resources to ensure businesses can talk directly to someone who can help them find the right information they need to help them through this crisis,” she said.
“We’re not the experts, but we do have the expertise to connect businesses with the most relevant and current professional advice, financial support and practical help.
“The Small Business Support Hotline can be reached on 0428 115 124 or at ed@portstephens.nsw.gov.au.
Work is also underway to determine how best council can use the Port Stephens Business and Tourism Support Fund — up to $500,000 — in the community’s recovery from this crisis.
Councillors at Shoalhaven Council asked council staff to “find alternative employers for our staff” after deciding to reduce rates by 25 per cent overnight.
The shock decision will result in a reduction of approximately $400 per property across Shoalhaven local government area.
However, Cr Findley called on her councillors to reconsider the proposal to prevent property developers and wealth people from being given subsidies by council.
Residents having trouble meeting their rates can contact Shoalhaven City Council for financial hardship assistance.
Riverina Water County Council general manager Andrew Crakanthorp said he understood residents were facing tough times with hardship arrangements rolled out across the local government area.
“All water accounts issued from today until June 30 will automatically have their payment date extended by two weeks,” he said.
“This applies to all customers, both residential and commercial, who will now have six weeks to pay their account instead of four.
“Anyone experiencing hardship due to COVID-19 or other circumstances should contact us on 6922 0608 to discuss how we can help you.”
RWCC provides drinking water to the LGAs of Wagga, Greater Hume Shire and Lockhart Shire and part of Federation Council across the Riverina.
Wollongong Council is currently working to identify a new financial strategy, including the use of a hardship policy.
Singleton Council has announced a $475,000 package for economic development and social programs to support the community during the age of coronavirus.
The package will include an extension on fourth quarter rates for payment from May 31 to August 31, as well as the same extensions for water bills next month.
A council spokeswoman said its leadership team is reviewing all fees and charges to see where it can waive or reduce them for people suffering from economic hardship.
“Childcare has already waived normal cancellation fees and Council is not chasing overdue fees,” she said.
“We are also currently investigating a range of other options to help offset the impact on the community, (including) procurement and service delivery options.
Meanwhile, Maitland Council general manager David Evans said council was looking into measures to assist the community.
“Already, Council has confirmed it will not be undertaking planning enforcement action and will allow all restaurants, cafes and bars to provide takeaway and delivery services on a temporary basis throughout the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.
“In addition, at the Council Meeting this week, Councillors also agreed to give the General Manager the authority to make changes to Council’s Hardship Policy and committed up to $50,000 to the Maitland Neighbourhood Centre to help them provide grocery items and other necessities to those in need.”