City of Greater Geelong to roll out $3 million in economic and community support

THE City of Greater Geelong council has agreed to a series of immediate measures to help local businesses and the community cope with the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, with further announcements still to come.

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher’s successful notice of motion during yesterday’s (Tuesday,  council meeting will create a short-term economic and community support package with initiatives worth more than $3 million.

These include:

• The development of a Council COVID-19 financial hardship policy including consideration of rates
• Waiving rent/fees for community and sporting groups within City owned land/grounds and buildings
  for six months from March 1 this year
• Reducing rent by 50 per cent for eligible commercial tenants in City buildings or on City land for six
  months from March 1 this year
• Refunding Alfresco Dining permit fees for 12 months
• Refunding A frame permit fees for 12 months
• Refunding food premises registration fees for three months of the 2019-20 financial year
• Refunding health premises fees for three months of the 2019-20 financial year
• The development of Business Support Portal for local businesses
• The development of Small Business Expert Support Program using local businesses
• Geelong Business Concierge Service Expansion to support business program development, and
• Free casual on and off street parking in the Geelong CBD until June 30.

The first 10 measures have an estimated combined value of more than $1.2 million, while the free parking – which comes into effect at the close of business today (Wednesday, March 25) is worth around $2 million based on last year’s data.

The economic and community support package will be finalised by April, while the city will also develop a medium to longer-term package to be funded in the 2020-21 financial year and presented to the council by June.

No ceiling has been set for the size of the either package, and Cr Asher’s motion states the city is prepared to “adopt a fiscal policy of deficit” to help fund the support measures.

The motion also highlighted the role of the state and federal governments in providing economic stimulus and support, and that the council’s contribution should be designed to supplement larger contributions from these higher tiers of government.

There will be more to come, but the list of support measures we’ve agreed on tonight is a good start as we
look to support our local businesses and the community through this incredibly difficult time,” Cr Asher said.

“The council is really feeling for the businesses and people being hit hard by this crisis. As a group we’ve agreed to look at all options and do whatever we can to help.

“That’s likely to mean we go into deficit in next year’s budget, but if ever there’s a time to do that it’s now.

“We’ll begin work immediately on finalising the two support packages and will share the details with the community as soon as they’re ready.”