Greater Hobart mayors are considering freezing rates to support residents during the COVID-19 epidemic

Suspension of rate payments are being considered across a number of Tasmanian councils as authorities scramble to cushion the blow coronavirus is having on communities.

TASMANIAN councils are considering a suspension of rate payments as authorities scramble to cushion the blow coronavirus is having on communities.

Greater Hobart mayors last week met to discuss a package of interim community

support measures through until June 30 that are set to be presented at the four respective council meetings this week.

SCHOOLS REMAIN OPEN UNDER MOUNTING PRESSURE

The package includes the postponement of penalties and interest on rates based on hardship and a collaboration with the Federal and State Governments on a stimulus package to sustain and continue current capital works programs.

Rent relief and refunds on fees and charges on the basis of hardship are also included.

Clarence mayor Doug Chipman said “all options are on the table”.

“We’re looking very closely at what we can do right now in desperate times,” he said.

“The picture might be clearer at the end of the week but we are aware of both federal and state and legislation which may affect how we can assist. It could enable councils to do more than they currently can, so we’re waiting to see how that unfolds.”

HOW AND WHEN WILL THE COVID-19 CRISIS END?

It comes as Burnie Councillor Ken Dorsey tabled a motion to be debated at the council’s next meeting calling on all capital works projects to be put on hold with money for projects to instead be used for rate-relief.

Deputy Lord Mayor, Helen Burnet, speaks on a motion put forward by Councillor Bill Harvey about declaring a global climate emergency at a Hobart City Council meeting. Picture: PATRICK GEE

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said calls to freeze rate payments were consistent with the Greater Hobart mayors’ interim community support package.

“Which does provide a lack of penalties if people don’t pay rates based on people coming forward with hardship,” she said.

“That’s the most compassionate approach right now to ensure we’re responsive to requests to postpone rate payments.”

Kingborough Mayor Dean Winter. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Kingborough Mayor Dean Winter said “we need to ensure the support we offer households, businesses and community organisations is targeted to those who need it most”.

“I would much prefer more generous rates concessions and small business support to those most impacted, rather than a rate cap for everyone. At this stage, I don’t think we will be able to responsibly or sustainably do both,” he said.

“The financial impacts are not going to be evenly spread. Some will not be directly financially impacted. I am already hearing from households and businesses who are being severely impacted, and I think that’s where we need to keep our focus.

“The financial impact on local government in Tasmania is going to be significant. Kingborough was forecasting a 2.8 per cent rate rise and a budget surplus next year, but we now face a significant deficit.”

Glenorchy Mayor Kristie Johnston. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Glenorchy mayor Kristie Johnston said Council would be the considering interim community response package at next week’s council meeting.

“We will also be considering our 2021 budget, with a view to provide assistance where is needed most,” she said.