Gold Coast City Council unveils multimillion-dollar coronavirus stimulus package

Ratepayers will today learn the level of reprieve they will get from the Gold Coast City Council when it unveils its multimillion-dollar coronavirus stimulus package.

RATEPAYERS will today learn the level of reprieve they will get from the Gold Coast City Council when it unveils its multimillion-dollar coronavirus stimulus package.

Rates relief is expected to be a key component along with cuts to council charges and levies, including those for restaurants with outdoor dining.

Mayor Tom Tate said council staff were last night working to complete the package and it would not be the last.

“I have spoken to the CEO and all directors and (we are) looking at areas where we can waive the charges like tables and chairs and the like,” he said yesterday.

“I will bring forward all the decisions and initiatives (today).

Mayor Tom Tate. Picture: Glenn Hampson

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“But this will only be the first sweep. There will be more initiatives to make sure our city is compassionate in this way.

“The city is in good shape fiscally in comparison to eight years ago so it (may) mean we do not pay down further debt (this year) and borrow some to make sure service continues and that we can help those most in need.”

Council yesterday moved to suspend key services, including the Hopo ferry system, public pools, indoor sports centres and libraries.

Cr Tate said the steps were necessary for public safety.

“This is not a drill. This is real and hygiene and social distancing are the key.

“We have closed all gyms and sporting venues. A further directive to the CEO will be that swimming pools, indoor pools and aquatic centres be closed.

Gold Coast beaches will remain open. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

“As for libraries, they will also be closing.”

Beaches will remain open for the time being, while essential services such as public transport, traffic management and rubbish collection are unaffected.

Council has threatened to close the beaches after popular locations were packed over the weekend, despite warnings from both Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Cr Tate to take social distancing seriously and avoid unnecessary travel.

‘To all Gold Coasters, essential services water, waste, traffic management etc will continue. We have business continuity plans and that will continue,” Cr Tate said.

“As for beaches, they will remain open for now but I say to Gold Coasters now, keep your distance.

“We have plenty of room but be respectful of distance and if you cannot do that, I will have to choice but to close them.”