Council provides rates relief in response to COVID-19

At today's Ordinary Meeting, Scenic Rim Regional Council adopted measures to provide rate relief for the community in the wake of the latest COVID-19 lockdown and economic impacts.

Mayor Greg Christensen said the rate relief will apply to both residential and commercial ratepayers recognising the impact to cash flow on local businesses and the broader community.

"We are extending the due date for payments from the original due date of Thursday, 19 August to Friday, 17 September," he said.

"By default this means that applicable five per cent discount is also extended meaning an additional  29 days to avail of the discount.

"Under our Financial Hardship Policy, we have also defined the impacts associated with COVID-19 pandemic as being  'extraordinary circumstances'.

"This means that all ratepayers with outstanding rates and charges will have the interest charges suspended until 31 December 2021 and debt recovery action may also be suspended for accounts where there are currently no legal proceedings in place."

Cr Christensen said this was the first part of a broader economic stimulus package that will be presented to Council for consideration in the near future.

"It was important that we looked at rate relief as a priority given notices have recently been delivered," he said.

"In addition, Council officers are currently working through options to present an Economic Stimulus Package, which will aim to support residents and businesses in response to the COVID-19 economic impacts.

"Last year, Council launched two COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Packages, and will again be looking to provide practical options that assist those most impacted and drive recovery for the region.

"In our considerations, we will have to be mindful of our wider obligations and limitations on financial capacity.

"We also strongly encourage residents to buy locally when they can to keep cash flow in our community and support local jobs and local businesses.

"It's also worth checking out the Queensland and Australian Government COVID-19 website pages to understand other grants and subsidies available for people and businesses impacted from
COVID-19."