Council boosts COVID relief beyond 2020

THE City of Greater Geelong has approved a further $4.18 million in COVID-19 economic support to assist small business and community groups beyond 2020.

Council voted in favour of waiving almost $1.7 million in small business fees on food registration, health premises, A-frames and alfresco dining
in 2021.

The support package also includes up to $500,000 for a Business Recovery Grants scheme which will provide grants of up to $10,000 for small businesses.

A new $885,000 ‘Planning for Jobs’ program will also be introduced to fast track planning and boost support for projects which generate employment opportunities.

Cr Trent Sullivan said council recognised it had an important role to play, alongside state and federal governments, in helping local business deal with the huge impact of COVID-19 restrictions.

“Through this package we’ve extended support to small business into 2021, while the ‘Planning for Jobs’ initiative will help speed up new business applications and generate employment at a time it’s desperately needed,” Cr Sullivan said.

The latest package also includes arts, culture and heritage recovery grants ($155,000), town centre activation surveys ($30,000), short-term parking for businesses ($10,000), COVID-19 recovery marketing and communications ($100,000) and outdoor dining and activation initiatives (up to $200,000).

Meanwhile, sporting clubs and community tenants of City-owned facilities will not be required to pay until the end of March as part of an extended rent waiver package valued at $415,000.

A further $110,000 was allocated to Lara Aquatic Centre to move forward the season opening to October.

Other initiatives include a COVID-19 gender impact analysis ($30,000), improved community digital access ($25,000) and development of guidelines towards establishing community gardens ($20,000).

Cr Sullivan said council recognised sporting clubs and community groups will face severe financial challenges during the summer season and the rent waiver would provide some certainty.

“All of these clubs offer important recreation and social connections for our community, which are more important than ever in the current environment,” he said.

“As well as supporting our region’s economic recovery, it’s vital that we also do what we can to restore the physical and mental health and wellbeing of residents.”

Since March the council has released more than $16.9 million in COVID-19 relief and recovery initiatives COVID-19.
A full list support measures can be viewed at www.geelongaustralia.com.au/covid19.