Council Connections - Mayor's Message 6 May 2020

Community Financial Support for COVID-19

At last week’s General Meeting Council resolved to provide financial assistance to Ratepayers and business proprietors affected by the financial impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Assistance will be provided through an approved application process that assesses the financial impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic, consistent with the Australian Government and National Cabinet policies.

Eligible Ratepayers and business proprietors may apply for:

1. Defer the payment of unpaid rates and charges levied for the period 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2020, which were due on 31 March 2020 for a six month period until 30 September 2020;
2. Waiver of the interest on unpaid rates and charges levied for the period 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2020, which were due on 31 March 2020, for a six month period until 30 September 2020;
3. Defer the requirement for payment of lease and rental payments due and payable to Council in relation to premises leased or rented from Council for the period 1 March 2020 until 30 September 2020;
4. Defer the requirement for payment of business license fees and other business related fees due and payable to Council for the period 1 March 2020, until 30 September 2020; and
5. Agreed payment plan options that extend for a maximum period of twelve (12) months from 1 October 2020 for the deferred rates, charges, rent or lease payments.

Consideration of further support including waiver of fees, license costs and rating for the rating period commencing 1 July 2020 will occur in the development of the 2020-2021 Budget, including the development of a Financial Hardship Policy.

Ratepayers and business proprietors experiencing hardship are urged to contact Council immediately.

For further information regarding Community Financial Support for COVID-19 including eligibility criteria, please contact Council’s Corporate and Financial Services Director, Brett Exelby on 4776 4600.

Recovery Groups Stood Up

The Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) met last week where the decision was made to stand up the Economic and Human Social Recovery Sub Groups progress recovery opportunities arising due to COVID-19.

Effective recovery requires an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to analysing needs, engaging the community, and planning. Deputy Mayor Andrew Cripps as the Hinchinbrook Recovery Group Chairperson will oversee the relevant sub groups once activated.

Councillor Mary Brown as the Economic Recovery Sub Group Chairperson is responsible for coordinating the planning and implementation of economic and financial recovery in the Hinchinbrook Shire.

Councillor Donna Marbelli as the Human Social Recovery Sub Group Chairperson is responsible for coordinating the planning and implementation of recovery through support in the areas of safety and well-being, physical and psychological health, and social aspects.

Councillor Advisory Committee and Organisation Representation

Councillors are appointed as representatives of Council to attend various advisory committee and organisational meetings, in order for the needs and processes of Council to be effectively managed. Council is involved with a number of internal and external committees and organisations that require a Council representative to participate and attend meetings and then report back to Council in order for Councillors to be effectively informed.

Below are the Advisory Portfolios of each Councillor. Each committee/group will be formally advised in writing of the respective Councillor appointed.

For further information, please visit Council’s website Mayor and Councillors page.

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COUNCIL CONNECTIONS -  6 MAY 2020