Rates help for Barkly residents

BUSINESSES and residents in the Barkly Regional Council suffering hardship due to coronavirus will have their rates waived for three months under an updated rates concession policy.

Council has also agreed to give in-principle support to participate in the government’s $7.1 million Special Community Assistance and Local Employment ( SCALE) Program, aimed at creating new jobs to provide local responses to the pandemic.

Under the package, council will also be able to redirect funds from other government grants into coronavirus responses.

The Barkly Regional Council says it continues to look for ways to assist ratepayers and ease emotional and economic stress caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Council staff are developing a quick and easy application process for eligible businesses and ratepayers.