Over $960,000 in support will be provided to businesses and community groups in Bass Coast, seriously impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bass Coast Shire Council will implement its COVID-19 Business and Community Response and Recovery package, after it was unanimously supported by Councillors at Wednesday’s Council Meeting.
The support package builds on the existing support provided by Council and State and Federal governments and aims to ease the cash flow pressures of local businesses and community groups.
It includes support for small business operators such as waiving of a number of permit fees for 2019/20, lease payment relief for businesses operating from Council premises and a $700,000 Business and Community Resilience Grants Program.
The Grants Program, which is currently under development, will be overseen by the Bass Coast Community Leadership Recovery Group. These quick response grants will reflect the immediate needs of applicants. Community organisations, businesses and individuals will be able to apply for grants for amounts between $1000 and $30,000.
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari, said that in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Council is committed to supporting businesses and the local community.
“The rapid escalation of COVID-19 and measures to contain its spread have led to widespread disruption and hardship to businesses and the community overall,” Cr Tessari said.
“While there are numerous Federal and State government support measures in place, due to its close connection with the local community, Council has been focused on introducing additional measures targeted specifically to support local businesses and the community.”
This is an initial response or first phase that Council can deliver to hundreds of businesses and community groups across the Shire. There is likely to be a second phase, to offer further support.
The estimated cost of these initial measures is $965,000, which will be offset by projected savings of $725,000, achieved by deferring or discontinuing various Council projects for the remainder of the financial year.
“We have identified budget savings from activities that will no longer be occurring such as grants for events that are cancelled, as well as reprioritised projects and other expenditure to establish funding to implement the Plan,” Cr Tessari said.
The package has been developed through consultation with local businesses and community groups. Council’s Business Support Team has spoken to over 160 local businesses over the past two weeks to check in and gauge what they need most.
“It’s important to acknowledge that this package also builds on our existing support services, which we will continue to provide to the highest degree,” Cr Tessari said.
