Brimbank Council has introduced new fees and charges concessions as part of its COVID-19 Response and Recovery Strategy actions to limit the impacts on community, businesses and cultural and sporting groups.
Brimbank Mayor, Cr Georgina Papafotiou said the new measures are intended to offer additional financial relief for businesses and sporting and recreation clubs.
'Council's new COVID-19 Hardship Policy already offers ratepayers options to apply for rates deferrals until June 2021 without interest, or going on a payment plan. The information and forms are available on our website and applications are coming in already.
'After a review of fees and charges I'm pleased to say Council has identified where other concessions can be made.
'Council is offering some waivers for fees and charges to help local sport and recreation clubs, food and other businesses to weather the financial pressures caused by the COVID-19 situation,' Cr Papafotiou said.
Fees and charges relief includes:
- Waivers for sport and recreation club fees – ranging from 50% to 100% waivers
- Waivers for some business fees and charges – related to Food Act Fees paid by cafes, restaurants, manufacturers; outdoor dining and goods for sale fees; public health and wellbeing fees
- Planning application fee waivers for small businesses who can demonstrate employment benefit
- Full waiver of event permit fees for events between 1 January and 20 June 2021, and refunds for events cancelled between 16 March and 31 December 2020
- Enabling individual businesses to apply for financial hardship to defer payment of Council rates including the St Albans and Sunshine special rates, although continuing to pay St Albans and Sunshine business associations with funds in advance of collecting proceeds to support marketing and business development activities.
- Pet registration fees deferred till 1 October, with no penalties
All critical first stage actions of Council's COVID-19 Response and Recovery Strategy are underway. The immediate focus has been implementing measures that protect and support the community, along with compliance with the State Government's Stage 3 restrictions. Council actions are also focused on supporting community and business recovery.
Council is continuing to deliver essential services, and has increased services to vulnerable members of the community.
A key highlight is doubling the number of Meals on Wheels delivered to vulnerable residents. Council is now delivering 750 meals per week with redeployed staff assisting in deliveries. Council has also increased support and monitoring of vulnerable residents through the Brimbank Community Register, in partnership with Victoria Police.
Although Council facilities are shut, Council is offering an increasing number of services people can access from their homes. These include online and home delivery library services, online fitness options, courses, programs, business development training and more.
Council is also actively supporting businesses with information, training and other assistance to help them through this time.
Council is communicating actively to keep the community and other stakeholders informed about service changes and support available. Statistics show more than 62,000 visits to Council's website over the last one month and Council's social media channel following has increased.
Council is continuing to redeploy staff to support essential community services including across Home Care, Meals on Wheels and the Brimbank Community Register.
Council is also engaging with the Federal and State governments to align and integrate its Response Strategy, including through potential Transforming Brimbank opportunities, the Working for Victoria Fund and more.
