Wednesday 10 June 20 20
COUNCIL SUPPORTS LOCAL BUSINESSES WITH FURTHER
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
A week after the City of Ryde implemented its Small Business Support Package, Council has entered
into its first two agreement s to provide assistance to commercial tenants that ha ve suffered a
downturn in trade due to the coronavirus (COVID -19) outbreak.
DNK Hair and Eastwood Eyes will receive rental relief as part of their agreement s wit h Council afte r
both business es had endured a significant reduction in revenue since COVID -19 restrictions were put
in place in March this year.
The Small Business Support Package was endorsed by Council at its May ordinary meeting to
support local busine sses during the COVID -19 outbreak and assist in business recovery during the
post -pandemic phase.
As part of the package, Council is negotiat ing financial assistance support for café and restaurant
owners operating from Council premises and other commercial tenants of Council.
These negotiations are being undertaken on a case -by -case basis to develop a tailored solution for
each tenant and may i nclude rent waivers, rent deferrals or lease extensions.
Negotiations between Council and other tenants are ongoing, with further agreements expected to be
finalised in the coming weeks.
City of Ryde Mayor, Clr Jerome Laxale, said Council was working ha rd to finalise agreements with
commercial tenants so that they can get the assistance they need.
“It is great news that just after a week after the Small Business Support Package was endorsed by
Council we can begin offering financial assistance to the b usinesses that really need it. This will
ensure these businesses can stay open and keep people employed, which is so important at the
moment,” Clr Laxale said.
“With restrictions easing, I would encourage everyone to support all local businesses like DNK Hair
and Eastwood Eyes and help them get back on the road to recovery.”
In addition to providing assistance to commercial tenants of Council, the Small Business Support
package also waives more than 40 different fees and charges for si x months. This includes.
Waiving outdoor dining fees payable by cafes and restaurants
Waiving administration fees payable by food premises
Waiving health inspection, health compliance and fire safety certification fees. The inspections
will still be und ertaken during this time.
The Small Business Support Package comes after more than 230 eligible businesses received
support grants via Council’s Eastwood Small Business Hardship Fund.
