Moreton Bay Regional Council interim stimulus and relief package for our community.

Matt Constance
26 March 2020

Hi Members,

Here is a bit more of detail for the Chamber regarding yesterdays announcement.

The Moreton Bay Regional Council convened a Special General Meeting to discuss an emergency interim stimulus and relief package for our community. This meeting during caretaker was convened following advice our CEO requested.

This is stage one. The new council when sworn in will have to make further decisions. It is only the start, but it is an important start in providing some relief in our community.

Key points include

  • $7 million worth of rate relief to recipients of the Federal Government’s Coronavirus Supplement

Rates notices are being sent out next fortnight, included in that envelope will be advice on how recipients of the Federal Government’s Coronavirus Supplement can apply for Council’s $200 rates rebate.

  • $5 million for grants to community groups and clubs

Applications open Monday 30 March. You will be able to apply on Council’s website.

  • $2 million in accelerated asset maintenance works to keep people employed on local projects

Through all initiatives, Council will give preference to projects that use local procurement and local suppliers. If you’re not registered with our local buy panel arrangements, you can do that online now at: www.vendorpanel.com/marketplace

  • $1 million refund on food licencing fees for businesses, many now entirely relying on takeaway sales

This will be directly refunded to local businesses by Council for the 2019-2020 licence period. No need to apply.

Importantly, Council staff are working on preparing a package of further stimulus to support our residents and local businesses.

Under this package if you are a ratepayer receiving the Federal Government’s coronavirus supplement, you will get a total $200 rebate on your rates.

We will be doing everything we can to prioritise work for local suppliers and businesses. If you’re a local business and you’re not registered with our local buy panel arrangements. Get online right now and get set up. But If you need assistance doing that, please contact our friendly staff for advice.

We understand the role MBRC needs to play, particularly in supporting small and local businesses as well as individual residents and ratepayers in financial hardship.

In the recent weeks we have made significant changes to our operations to ensure we can maintain the essential services you all rely on. Council staff responsible for essential services are now either working from home or in separate physical environments to ensure their continued health and availability. In fact Council’s call centre is now being delivered across three separate locations to ensure the virus can’t impact the entire team at once.

Since last week I have chaired 4 meetings of our Local Disaster Management and Recovery groups. We stand ready and steadfast in support of our community in these difficult times.
Stay Safe. Look after each other and please follow all recommended hygiene procedures

Note: The Hills & Districts Chamber of Commerce Inc advises that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this post belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the Chamber, or a committee or other group or individual associated with the Chamber.

Matt Constance

Matt Constance is the Division 10 Councillor for City of Moreton Bay and an active Chamber member and supporter

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