THE Central Goldfields Shire will stop chasing debts and wave a host of fees to help those hit hard by the pandemic.
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It has also vowed to keep plans for public works to help contractors and suppliers crippled by economic restrictions.
The council is working to roll out the suite of measures as soon as possible, chief administrator Noel Harvey said.
"We know our local businesses and community are doing it really tough right now and it's essential for us to do what we can to alleviate that financial pressure," he said.
The following measures will be in place until 30 September 2020 and will be reviewed again at that time:
Ratepayers experiencing financial hardship
- Suspension of all current debt recovery action
- New COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy
- Extension of rate payments to 30 September 2020 with no interest
- Waived interest on overdue rates and waste charges from 16 March 2020
- Waived pet registration fees (pets must still be registered by 10 April 2020)
Business support
- New COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy will also apply to businesses
- Payment of local suppliers weekly to improve business cash flow
- Waived rent for businesses occupying council buildings and facilities
- Dedicated business contact officer within the council
- Dedicated COVID-19 business support page on the council's website with link to local employment opportunities - www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/covid-19
- Access to Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry support in partnership with Committee for Maryborough
Permits
- Extension of expiry dates for septic, building and planning permits for 12 months at no cost.
- Refund of permit fees for events and business activities that have been cancelled or closed as directed by Government
Community support
- Waived rent for all occupiers of council buildings and facilities
- Waived building or planning permits fees under the council's Community Support Policy
- Additional parking enforcement around MDHS to support health workers/patients
- Dedicated COVID-19 information page on the council's website - www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/covid-19
Capital works
- The council will continue works as scheduled so as to maximise local business and employment opportunities
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