Council supporting the community during Coronavirus pandemic

Published on 08 April 2020

Gannawarra Shire Council is working to support the community during the current Coronavirus pandemic.

A new policy – COVID-19 Hardship – will be presented at the April Ordinary Council meeting, which recognises the financial hardship local businesses and employees are experiencing.

The new policy will enable Council to hold interest on all outstanding debts during the Coronavirus pandemic and hold off on legal action of rates and charges, with the hold date beginning from the declaration of the State of Emergency on 16 March 2020.

This hold date will stay in place for six months, with the policy to be reviewed by 16 September 2020.

“Council understands that residents and businesses have been impacted financially by measures put in place to stop the spread of Coronavirus,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“Many businesses throughout the Gannawarra are currently closed, with business owners and residents concerned regarding how to pay everyday bills.”

This new policy is part of a raft of support measures Council is implementing to help the community deal with and recover from this pandemic.

“These measures include ceasing debt collection at this time, paying creditors within seven days and increasing the weighting of local spend criteria, as outlined in Council’s Procurement policy,” Mayor Learmonth said.

“Council will continue to assess the situation and implement changes as needed.

“I encourage residents and business owners who cannot pay any outstanding bills they have with Council at this time to phone (03) 5450 9333 and discuss their situation with our friendly staff.”

For more information regarding Coronavirus and Council’s efforts, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

Residents who are concerned regarding Coronavirus are encouraged to phone the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 or visit www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus