Shire considers rates relief for residents

Baw Baw Shire will look at ways to assist community members with rates relief and fast tracking infrastructure to secure job certainty amid the current coronavirus and economic climate.

Council will be asking the state government this week to assist with rates relief in an effort to assist residents and businesses ease the financial burden being felt during the current time of economic stress.

Mayor Danny Goss has issued a statement in The Gazette today, acknowledging the dark times and unprecedented disruptions.

Cr Goss said council and staff “feel and understand the hurt and uncertainty that is currently in our community.”

“Our infrastructure spending is being reviewed and will be fast tracked where possible. This will provide continuity for those jobs.

“In addition, we will review our local input into our tenders to maintain as many jobs as possible remain local.

The mayor said any alteration to the shire’s rates base would have long term implications with rates capping.

“But if the state government permitted council to keep our base rates for future years while at the same time suspending the rate cap increase then this may be an option that provides relief for the community this year without long term impacts.

“We will also ask that our budget be allowed to be presented a month later than normal – so we have a better idea of the overall effect on finances,” he said.

Cr Goss said council will look at suspending the May rates instalment for at least a month as well as reviewing interest charges on late payments.

In addition, council will look at all its fees and charges with the view to assisting all of its user groups.

“We can, and will, look at suspending fees such as food service fees, fees for all our sporting clubs and similar types of fees across the board,” he said.

Cr Goss said council also was reviewing services to the aged sector and looking at how it can help with maternal and child health.

Shire staff are working from remote locations and have been split into different sections so that they are not all working together and adhering to the social distancing measures that are in place.

“It is at times like these that brings out the best in our local communities. Council will absolutely do its very best to assist where we can,” Cr Goss said.