City adds $2m to COVID support measures

THE City of Greater Geelong council has committed to its seventh COVID-19 support and recovery package, to provide further assistance to groups and industries significantly impacted by the pandemic.

The $2.04 million suite of initiatives aims to support the ongoing recovery of the community, business, arts, culture and tourism sectors.

Through an amendment to the initial package recommended by officers, the council will roll out free CBD on-street parking in two-hour metered zones throughout December.

The council also requested that chief executive officer Martin Cutter explore providing further support to retail, hospitality and entertainment businesses via a voucher or refund scheme.

As part of the agreed package, $590,000 in grants will be available to assist community groups and the arts, culture and heritage sectors in their recovery from the pandemic. Fee and rent relief for sporting and community tenants in City of Greater Geelong facilities will be extended to March 2022, with a total value of more than $900,000.

Another $200,000 will be allocated to media and marketing campaigns to encourage more domestic tourists to the region, including those people visiting family and friends.

Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said these initiatives had already proven to be effective.

“We have seen the positive impact of the previous COVID quick response grants on our arts sector and the community.

“Committing to another round of these grants – on top of our existing Community Grants program – will provide more opportunities for community groups and artists to accelerate their recovery now that society has re-opened.

“Our tourism providers were among those hardest hit, so the funding for targeted marketing campaigns will hopefully help in making sure we are a destination of choice this summer.”

There is also funding to promote recovery activities, such as the ‘It’s our Backyard’ program, which encourages residents to support local businesses and experiences.

Cr Anthony Aitken, chair of the finance portfolio, said the council had recognised help was still required even though restrictions on movement and activity have now been dropped.

“We are in a recovery phase now, but clearly the effects will be long-lasting, particularly for the hardest hit industries and areas such as Central Geelong,” Cr Aitken said. “This new package is about council doing what it can to make sure our economic recovery is as fast as possible.

“It’s also about easing the burden on community groups as they get going again, because we know the huge impact sport and recreation activities have on our community’s overall health and wellbeing.”

The new package takes the overall value of COVID-19 support measures delivered by the council to the Greater Geelong community since March 2020 to almost $19 million.