Port Phillip Council announces coronavirus emergency relief package

Port Phillip Council has splashed $2.5 million on an emergency relief package to assist residents, local small businesses and sporting clubs, including help for stallholders at South Melbourne Market. Here’s what’s included.

Port Phillip Council has announced a $2.5 million emergency relief package to help support local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adopted at last night's special council meeting, it includes rent relief for stallholders at South Melbourne Market, sporting organisations and community-run childcare centres.

Footpath trading laws will also be relaxed to allow businesses to set up takeaway and delivery services.

Mayor Bernadene Voss said “lightening the load” for the community and businesses was the council’s top priority.

“We are implementing this package immediately as we know many are hurting from this unprecedented change and disruption,” she said.

“COVID-19 developments are moving incredibly quickly. We are committed to identifying gaps in assistance from the Australian and Victorian governments which our council can fill, while ensuring we retain the financial ability to deliver essential and vital services.”

Council’s commercial and community tenants and licensees, such as those at South Melbourne Market, who pay rents, fees or building levies above peppercorn amounts can receive fee waivers of up to 100 per cent between April 1 and June 30.

The amount will depend on how long the business or club was able to operate, with some organisations able to seek loan repayment deferrals for up to six months interest-free on a 12-month repayment plan.

The council will also tip up to $500,000 from its social housing fund into services supporting people experiencing homeless.

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A slew of other measures will also be introduced, including deferred rates payments for six months interest-free for people in financial hardship and three-month rebates for Food Act registration and footpath trading permit fees.

Footpath trading laws will also be eased to facilitate food takeaway and delivery services.

The emergency support measures will cost the council an estimated $2.5 million by June 30.

Other initiatives aimed at assisting those most affected by the heath emergency will be considered as the 20/21 budget is developed.

For more information about the council’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the full list of measures to be implemented, got to portphillip.vic.gov.au/novel-coronavirus