City adds millions to coronavirus support package

THE City of Greater Geelong council has proposed a support package to help the region recover from coronavirus.

The package will see $5.6 million added to immediate relief measures council announced in March and April. It will also include more than $1.7 million investment in new and continued initiatives to help the city’s financial recovery.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said the funds would focus on the sectors most in need.

“We appreciate that the business sector, arts and tourism industries and our community morale have all been particularly affected and our intention is to provide targeted support addressing those critical areas.”

The package includes $500,000 for tourism and events campaigns; $490,000 for heritage, arts and culture recovery initiatives; $250,000 for Covid Quick Response Grants for community groups; $232,000 for targeted commercial rent relief for selected tenants of council-owned buildings; and $133,000 for supporting international students.

The city has proposed deferring plans for the construction of a $1.5 million for an intersection at Boundary Road and Baanip Boulevard, in Mount Duneed to help free up funds. In April the city also decided to defer the 2020-21 Community Grants program.

Cr Asher said council had been proactive in dealing with the virus and was aware the threat had not yet passed.

“From the outset, the Council has been determined to do all it can to guide support towards those hit hardest and to provide a positive and healthy future outlook.

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a major financial and social effect on our community. Unfortunately, the case numbers we have seen in Victoria most recently indicate that it’s clearly not yet over.”