City of Melbourne set to hold crisis meeting for businesses amid coronavirus fallout
A crisis summit set to help Melbourne’s CBD businesses deal with coronavirus’ citywide impact could curb a potentially catastrophic financial fallout. Here’s what measures may soon be put in place.
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Town Hall is set to stage a summit to help inner city businesses deal with fallout from the coronavirus crisis.
Representatives from state and federal governments, health authorities and employer groups would meet to find ways to protect the central city’s $100 billion economy.
Deputy Lord Mayor Arron Wood wants council backing for the event that would be run with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and include the state’s Chief Health Officer.
“We should all be proud of the massive central city economy of Melbourne and what that delivers for the country, but there is increasing uncertainty around COVID-19 on top of impacts to the economy from drought, fires and tougher retail conditions,” he told the Herald Sun.
“As large scale events are being cancelled and postponed in other parts of the world, it is prudent that our local businesses and industry sectors plan for all possible impacts of COVID-19.”
The council would also offer an initial $50,000 for grants to business to help with planning and online operations.
Cr Wood said the summit would provide information and options to businesses on current and potential impacts from the Chief Health Officer.
VCCI chief executive Paul Guerra said his organisation would be delighted to take part.
“We want businesses to be able to contribute to this very important discussion and learn what they can do to protect themselves and their employees in the event of severe disruption,” he said.
“The situation unfolding across the globe is unprecedented, and government, businesses and all of us as workers and residents in communities have to work together to find measures that work for everyone.”
Under the proposal, “virtual” town hall meeting would be held pending any bans on mass gatherings.
City of Melbourne councillors will consider the issue at a meeting on Tuesday.
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