Council supports community through COVID-19 pandemic

Lockyer Valley Regional Council remains committed to assisting the community through the impacts of COVID-19 and has contributed more than $865,000 back to the local community since the start of the global pandemic.

Lockyer Valley Finance Portfolio Councillor Chris Wilson said Council had passed a range of financial measures to assist the region through the COVID-19 crisis.

“Since this pandemic began, Council has passed a Hardship Policy to assist ratepayers suffering financial difficulty, as well as a range of financial relief and economic support measures to provide immediate and medium-term support to the Lockyer Valley community and business owners impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

“Council adopted a rate freeze in the 2020/21 Budget, as well as a freeze of utility (waste collection and waste management) charges and extended the due date for licence renewals for food businesses to 30 September 2021.

“The Hardship Policy provided a consistent framework for financial relief and was supported by additional measures, including:

• Reviewing payment plans for ratepayers and debtors on a case-by-case basis, with all payment plans reviewed by July 2020 to check suitability;

• All external debt collection processes placed on hold until 30 June 2020 and new sale of land auction processes deferred until January 2021;

• Interest on overdue rates and charges and sundry debtors placed on hold from 1 March 2020 until 30 June 2020.

• Extending the due date for licence renewals for food businesses to 30 September 2021 while still ensuring appropriate inspections and risk management of premises.

“In addition to the Federal and State Government stimulus packages, Council has an important role to play in these circumstances given our existing relationships with the local business community.

“Council staff worked closely with businesses, social enterprises, community groups, and sporting clubs impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to assist them with accessing information on available Federal and State Government Stimulus Packages.

“Council understands the extensive impact this pandemic is having throughout our community and we are committed to providing as much assistance to the Lockyer Valley as possible as the COVID-19 situation continues to develop.

“Residents are encouraged to visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/covid-19 for more information,” Cr Wilson said.