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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
City of Ballarat CEO Evan King said the suite of offerings were meant to support other available measures.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really another support mechanism to go with both State and Federal support programs that are out there at the moment,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
As for what kind of difference $500 could make to a local business that\u2019s been impacted by 18 months of COVID interruptions including six lockdowns, Mr King said the money could help cover a range of issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not claiming this is the answer to everything, but we\u2019re doing our bit,\u201d he said. \u201cAs a small business, if I\u2019ve got an electricity bill\u2026 or my rent to pay, I think $500 is meaningful.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said the proposal was developed by municipal officers at the request of councillors following feedback from community members.<\/p>\n
\u201cBusiness and community groups are doing it especially tough right now, businesses in particular are carrying the burden of keeping our community safe,\u201d he said. \u201cI think we found lockdown number five was particularly hard for a lot of businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n
The next City of Ballarat regular council meeting is set for Wednesday, 25 August from 6.30pm.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n