Small businesses, community organisations and sporting clubs in Blacktown City have been hard hit during the extended COVID-19 lockdown.
Blacktown City Council has moved to waive a number of fees and charges for these organisations in an effort to help them get through the difficult times.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said; “There are a number of fees and charges that shops and sporting clubs have paid in advance and now they have been left with no customers and no sporting competitions.
“It’s only fair that Council gives some relief where it can and hopefully makes it easier for them to get back on their feet when the lockdowns end,” said Mayor Bleasdale.
Council will waive the license fee for outdoor dining at restaurants and cafes as well as waiving the license fee for shops that display their goods in front of their premises.
These fees will be waived for 6 months from 1st of October 2021.
Council will also waive the fee for reserved parking in the Colo Lane carpark in in Blacktown CBD for 3 months.
“Council’s sporting facilities have been closed since the end of June and as such there have been no organised sporting competitions since then. Clubs’ ability to generate revenue through their canteens and sponsorship have been severely impacted by the COVID lockdown,” said Mayor Bleasdale.
Council has decided that for clubs that have paid hire fees for the winter season, Council will waive the fees for next year’s winter season.
For clubs and organisations that haven’t as yet paid this year’s winter fees, those fees will be waived.
In addition, the NSW Government has provided Council with funding of $250,000 to assist vulnerable communities during the lockdowns.
Grants of up to $10,000 are available for not-for-profit organisations to fund projects that directly support the physical health and mental well-being, social connection and safety of vulnerable and at-risk groups within Blacktown City.
“The not-for-profit organisations are doing a fantastic job helping those in need with food hampers, meal deliveries and counselling services.
“However, the longer the lockdown has gone on, the harder it has become for these organisations. These funds are most welcome.” Mayor Bleasdale said.
Applications open on 5 October and close 5pm Friday 15 October and are only accepted online through Council’s website, www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au
