At the Special Council Meeting on April 15, 2020, the City of Swan Council approved comprehensive measures designed to support City residents, ratepayers and businesses during their time of greatest financial need.
The measures include an $8.85 million economic stimulus package to increase local investment, encourage job creation and inject money quickly into the local economy.
The funds will go towards 'shovel ready' capital works and major maintenance programs that will be fast tracked to stimulate the local economy.
Relief is also coming for residents and ratepayers, with a zero per cent rate rise, zero per cent rise in City fees and charges and zero interest charged on overdue rates or other charges for the 2020/2021 financial year.
There will be no parking charges for up to six months, with a possible extension if the State of Emergency is still in effect.
The City is also delivering rent relief to support those in lease arrangements with the City who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19.
Further actions will streamline procurement and statutory planning processes, fast tracking the ability to stimulate the local economy.
In acknowledging the burden these measures will place on the City's finances, Council have asked that a formal request be put to the State Treasurer to provide a five year interest-free loan for the amount of $25 million to ensure the City can adequately respond to and recover from COVID-19.
A complete list of support measures is listed below.
City of Swan Mayor Kevin Bailey said the City recognises the significant financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our local people and businesses.
"Our COVID-19 relief package is designed to make life a bit easier for people during challenging times and prepare us for recovery," he said.
"We are driven to support our community by helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19, support community wellbeing, deliver emergency responses, implement stimulus projects and drive community recovery."
City of Swan COVID-19 support measures
- An $8.85 million economic stimulus package designed to bring more money into the local economy.
- Zero per cent rate rise, zero per cent rise in City fees and charges and zero interest charged on overdue rates or other charges for the 2020/2021 financial year.
- Suspension of debt recovery for rates and other debt owed to the City for rate payers, community groups and businesses that are adversely affected by COVID-19 for a period of six months following the standing down of the State of Emergency declaration.
- Rate relief through flexible payment options and creation of a City of Swan COVID-19 policy to govern debt recovery during the State of Emergency. The COVID-19 policy is to include payment arrangements and debt recovery, and be presented at the May or June Ordinary Meeting of Council.
- No parking fees or parking permits payable for up to six months, with a possible extension if the State of Emergency is still in effect.
- A six-month waiver on leases for community facilities based on City premises.
- A six-month freeze on City owned properties with commercial leases for eligible businesses experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19, subject to an application to the City for rent relief, and a moratorium on evictions during this time bar for Wilful Misconduct.
- More flexibility in tender processes. The City's procurement policy has been amended for 12 months, including a higher tender threshold (increased from $150,000 to $250,000) and streamlined processes. Council also voted for the City to request that the Minister for Local Government allows metropolitan local authorities to give preference to tenderers within their own locality.
- A range of temporary measures designed to make the City more responsive to community needs, including CEO delegations from Council increased from $300,000 to $1 million and statutory planning decisions delegated to the CEO with conditions.
- Formally request the State Treasurer to provide a five-year interest-free loan for the amount of $25 million to ensure the City can adequately respond to and recover from COVID-19.
