Financial support available for residents impacted by COVID-19

Published on 12 May 2020

Gannawarra Shire Council residents and business owners are encouraged to contact Council if they cannot pay any outstanding bills they have with Council at this time.

Council adopted its COVID-19 Hardship policy in April, which enables Council to hold interest and hold off on any legal action on applicable charges for those who contact Council indicating that they are financially impacted by COVID-19.

This hold date is backdated from the declaration of the State of Emergency on 16 March 2020, staying in place for six months and scheduled for review by 16 September 2020.

“The adoption of this policy is timely, with many businesses throughout the Gannawarra still closed due to social distancing measures,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“Many business owners and residents are concerned regarding how to pay everyday bills at the moment, and with the final rates instalment due on 1 June 2020, it is timely to talk to our friendly Customer Service team about your circumstances.”

Residents and business owner can contact Council in a number of ways:

• By phoning Council’s Customer Service team on (03) 5450 9333 during business hours;
• By e-mailing council@gannawarra.vic.gov.au at any time;
• By visiting www.gsc.vic.gov.au and chatting live with a staff member during business hours;
• By lodging a request form at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/request at any time; and
• By writing to PO Box 287, Kerang VIC 3579 at any time.

“Council continues to implement measures to support the community financially at this time, including ceasing debt collection at this time, paying local 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.”