Coronavirus: What Hunter Councils are doing to ease the burden for businesses and homes
With Newcastle Council leading the way, councils across the Hunter are ramping up their efforts to reduce costs for ratepayers amid the COVID-19 crisis. What funding is available for you?
Newcastle
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The coronavirus continues to spread doom and gloom across the nation as the Federal Government announced more restrictions on Australians and the shutdown of even more businesses.
While an economic rescue package of $189 billion has been spruiked nationwide, offering workers and small business some relief, many are wondering what is happening at a local level.
Councils across Newcastle and the Hunter have started to ramp up their response to the virus, offering ratepayers relief and financial hardship support as they try to navigate through unprecedented times.
Newcastle Council has led the way in a detailed package, which offers a multi-million dollar approach to getting through the tough times, while other Hunter councils continue to wade through all the information to understand what they can offer up ratepayers.
NEWCASTLE
The City of Newcastle has developed a comprehensive community and business support package, worth $5.5 million in the short term.
The breakdown:
Financial Hardship Support - $468,000
Payment plans for rates. All fees and charges including interest penalties will be waived until 30 June 2021. Support for owner occupier commercial ratepayers or commercial property owners who can demonstrate the reduction will be passed onto their tenants.
Council support - $1,500,000
Flexibility for business and individuals on a range of Council fees and policies which includes the waiving library fees, returning booking fees and maintaining hourly parking rates at current levels.
Rent relief for City of Newcastle tenants - $732,000
Small businesses operating out of council owned buildings will receive a cash flow relief with the City offering a 50 per cent discount on rent for the next two quarters.
Community grant program - $800,000
An Expression of Interest process will be opened for Newcastle-based not-for-profits, non government organisations, community groups and organisations to receive funds to deliver essential local services and innovative solutions to COVID-19 created challenges.
Procurement and Purchasing Support - $535,000
e-Library expansion - $100,000
Online learning – Studiosity and Lynda - $60,000
Lean In Newy app- $150,000
Local online training programs - $500,000
$500,000 will also be allocated to a City Taskforce to act as the local coordinating authority to oversee the future recovery phases of the COVID-19 crisis, while $100,000 has been made available for marketing and communications.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the package delivers both financial and social support to ensure Newcastle remains resilient during this challenging time.
“We understand that every business is suffering enormously from the impacts of COVID-19 and will likely be affected for the foreseeable future,” the Lord Mayor said.
“It’s imperative, now more than ever, that we work together.
“Our resilience package has been informed by experts and seeks to focus on areas where local government has a clear strength and mandate.
For further information see newcastle.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19
LAKE MACQUARIE
Lake Macquarie Council is still considering and working on a range of measures to provide relief to people and businesses in the community who are affected.
For now, ratepayers can look to apply for financial hardship assistance HERE .
“Council appreciates the urgency of the situation, and is expediting the proposal with the aim of providing assistance as soon as possible,” a council spokesperson said.
“Any proposal must go before Council for consideration.
“We will consider measures to alleviate financial hardship for any ratepayer able to provide evidence of their situation.
“Local government in NSW is not permitted to suspend rates.”
PORT STEPHENS
The Council’s first move in response to the virus was announcing a $500,000 Tourism and Business Support Fund to look after these industries.
What it offers : Funding of Destination Marketing, implementation of additional strategies to reduce impact of COVID-19.
“The tourism industry is worth $621 million to Port Stephens every year and it is estimated that up to 20 per cent of the workforce could be lost over the next 12 months,” Mayor Ryan Palmer said.
Destination Port Stephens (DPS) Chairman Andrew Macdonald said it’s timely and much-needed support.
“DPS has recently developed new marketing material which is ready to launch, and access to marketing funds would dramatically enhance our ability to maintain visitation to the region, with the aim to protect businesses, jobs and our local economy,” Mr Macdonald said.
Other support: Council’s existing debt recovery and hardship policy. Given the current circumstances Council is reviewing the policy to see what more can be done for the community.
Port Stephens Business Support Service : Allocation of resources to ensure businesses can talk directly to someone to help them find the right information. It offers 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.
MAITLAND
Maitland Council is looking at a range of measures in the coming weeks and months to assist in supporting community member.
General Manager David Evans has the authority to make changes to council’s hardship policy.
$50,000 has been committed to the Maitland Neighbourhood Centre to help them provide grocery items and necessities to those in need.
For more information on council’s response visit maitland.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
SINGLETON
Singleton Council has already announced a $475,000 package for economic development and social programs.
Rates: Fourth quarter rates will have extension for payment from May 31 to Aug 31 with no interest applied.
Water: Council will do same for water bills next month, with more detail and clarify to come.
Fees and charges: Reviewing all fees and charges to see what can be waived or reduced. Childcare has already waived normal cancellation fees and Council is not chasing overdue fees.
Other: Investigating procurement and service delivery options
The urgency of the issues will see Council make rolling announcements.
Find out more info HERE.
For all the info on a variety of Councils across NSW, check out THIS.