A feasibility study into the Phillip Island car ferry is among projects to be deferred this year to fund the COVID support package. BASS Coast Council has approved a support package of almost $1 million to help businesses and community organisations through the COVID-19 crisis.
The business and community response and recovery package was unanimously supported by councillors at Wednesday’s council meeting.
Mayor Brett Tessari said the council was committed to supporting businesses and the local community in the face of widespread disruption and hardship.
A $700,000 grants program will be financed by cancelling or deferring projects including the Newhaven skate park ($200,000 budgeted), shire entry signs ($200,000), a feasibility study for a Phillip Island car ferry($120,000) and a street lighting audit ($80,000).
The business and community response and recovery package was unanimously supported by councillors at Wednesday’s council meeting.
Mayor Brett Tessari said the council was committed to supporting businesses and the local community in the face of widespread disruption and hardship.
A $700,000 grants program will be financed by cancelling or deferring projects including the Newhaven skate park ($200,000 budgeted), shire entry signs ($200,000), a feasibility study for a Phillip Island car ferry($120,000) and a street lighting audit ($80,000).
Projects to be discontinued for 2019-20 Community organisations, businesses and individuals will be able to apply to the program for quick response grants of between $1000 and $30.
A business could apply for a grant to adapt to offering products online, providing services virtually and offering take-away and delivery of goods. Grants to community organisations could support initiatives to reactivate and support the cultural and arts sector. Grants may also be used for projects that support vulnerable residents.
The council will also reimburse street trading fees, waive permit fees and give rent relief to caravan parks and other businesses operating from council premises. The cost of the relief package is estimated at $265,000.
Cr Tessari said this was the first phase of support and there was likely to be a second phase.
The package was developed through consultation with local businesses and community groups.
The council’s business support team will continue to help businesses to understand and access funding support and training opportunities through state and federal programs.
Homeowners affected by the lockdown can apply for rate relief through the council’s financial hardship policy.
Meanwhile, the council is preparing for the resumption of normal life with the major projects team finalising concept designs and feasibility studies for projects including the Wonthaggi and Cowes aquatic centres and the former Wonthaggi Secondary College site master planning.
This will ensure projects are shovel ready once business resumes and the council can position itself to attract significant funding from other levels of government.
Work has also begun on the council’s climate change action plan to identify projects that will deliver long-term economic, social and financial benefits. The council last week released a survey seeking community input into the plan.
Visit www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/covid19 for information on council support.
A business could apply for a grant to adapt to offering products online, providing services virtually and offering take-away and delivery of goods. Grants to community organisations could support initiatives to reactivate and support the cultural and arts sector. Grants may also be used for projects that support vulnerable residents.
The council will also reimburse street trading fees, waive permit fees and give rent relief to caravan parks and other businesses operating from council premises. The cost of the relief package is estimated at $265,000.
Cr Tessari said this was the first phase of support and there was likely to be a second phase.
The package was developed through consultation with local businesses and community groups.
The council’s business support team will continue to help businesses to understand and access funding support and training opportunities through state and federal programs.
Homeowners affected by the lockdown can apply for rate relief through the council’s financial hardship policy.
Meanwhile, the council is preparing for the resumption of normal life with the major projects team finalising concept designs and feasibility studies for projects including the Wonthaggi and Cowes aquatic centres and the former Wonthaggi Secondary College site master planning.
This will ensure projects are shovel ready once business resumes and the council can position itself to attract significant funding from other levels of government.
Work has also begun on the council’s climate change action plan to identify projects that will deliver long-term economic, social and financial benefits. The council last week released a survey seeking community input into the plan.
Visit www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/covid19 for information on council support.