Call sought on $1m COVID plan

CITY of Ballarat councillors will be asked to decide on a one-million-dollar COVID-19 business and community organisation support plan at their next regular meeting.

The plan includes one off $500 grants for businesses that have experienced a 30 per cent drop in revenue and $250 for community and volunteer groups as well as sporting clubs who have taken income hits.

There’s also a plan to wave interest on outstanding municipal rates, and drop a range of municipal fees and charges for businesses including outdoor dining and A-frame permits.

It also includes the renewing of the current COVID financial hardship policy and the reopening of the business contact centre which seeks to support local enterprises.

City of Ballarat CEO Evan King said the suite of offerings were meant to support other available measures.

“It’s really another support mechanism to go with both State and Federal support programs that are out there at the moment,” he said.

“But we really, truly, want to try and reach those groups and businesses that may not have been able to access some of those other support mechanisms.”

As for what kind of difference $500 could make to a local business that’s been impacted by 18 months of COVID interruptions including six lockdowns, Mr King said the money could help cover a range of issues.

“We’re not claiming this is the answer to everything, but we’re doing our bit,” he said. “As a small business, if I’ve got an electricity bill… or my rent to pay, I think $500 is meaningful.”

Funds to pay for the $1 million plan will come from money not spent during the 2020/21 financial year, with Mr King saying it would have no impacts on the current budget bottom line.

Mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said the proposal was developed by municipal officers at the request of councillors following feedback from community members.

“Business and community groups are doing it especially tough right now, businesses in particular are carrying the burden of keeping our community safe,” he said. “I think we found lockdown number five was particularly hard for a lot of businesses.”

The next City of Ballarat regular council meeting is set for Wednesday, 25 August from 6.30pm.