By Jessica Anstice
The fourth phase of Cardinia Shire Council’s package to support community members and businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic has been released.
Phase 4 of the $1.6 million Community and Business Support Package features specific measures to reduce financial pressures on ratepayers, community groups, sporting clubs and businesses.
For ratepayers, a further extension to the interest-free period for unpaid rates payments until 31 March 2021 will be put in place.
The hardship provisions and payment plans for 20-21 rates will be continued, as will be rebate for health care card holders and/or people receiving JobSeeker payments.
In terms of sporting clubs and recreation reserves, tenancy fees for all council-owned facilities will be waived for a further six months.Financial support will be offered to sporting committees of management having trouble paying utility bills, plus a temporary freeze on all debt repayments.As for community groups, a support payment will be made to all neighbourhood houses, senior citizen’s centres, U3As, and to Emerald Museum.
Emergency rent waivers will be available to all eligible tenants of council-owned buildings and financial support will be offered for community halls.
Local businesses will receive a full refund of all 2020 Food Act and Public Health and Wellbeing Act registration fees, as well as a refund on 2020-21 street trading permit fees.Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Jeff Springfield said the council hoped the measures would provide welcome relief to ratepayers, community groups and businesses struggling with the significant impacts of the pandemic.
“With Stage 4 restrictions now in place and many businesses having to close or restrict their operations as a result, there are many people in our community doing it really tough right now,” he said.
“As a community, we’re in circumstances we never could have anticipated.
“Council wants to help reduce that financial pressure and we hope these Phase 4 measures will help to do that.”
Cr Springfield said the council has a range of support measures available to those under financial pressure at this time.“For ratepayers struggling to meet their rates payments, the extension of the interest free period until the end of 2020 will provide some relief,” he added.
“With the Victorian Government having provided relief measures for landlords and tenants, we wanted to offer some respite for our ratepayers, too.“If you’re having difficulty paying your rates, please contact us.”
He said the Phase 4 measures also acknowledge the big challenges that business operators and committees of management are facing right now.
“Our community groups and organisations, sporting clubs and businesses are the lifeblood of our community,” he said.“This package recognises their importance – I have no doubt there are many people across our shire who are looking forward to running out onto the field again, meeting face-to-face with fellow community group members, or dining at a local eatery.“We hope that the support measures will provide some relief and peace of mind during these difficult times.”
