April 29, 2020
Yarraman and Cooyar ratepayers will receive a $125 rates credit as part of a $10.5 million COVID-19 economic relief package adopted by Toowoomba Regional Council.
The credit can be used on an existing or future rates notices.
The discount is expected to cost up to $8.7 million, and will be applied automatically.
Other measures in the package include:
- Extending the discount period for water rates from May 12 to June 23, 2020
- Waiving interest on overdue rates and charges calculated at June 30, 2020
- Postponing the sale of land for overdue rates and charges for the 2020 calendar year
- Extending animal registrations from June 30 to September 30, 2020
- Providing a 100 per cent rent relief package for small businesses that occupy Council-owned properties for the months of April, May and June
- Refunding 50 per cent of food licence fees for the 2019-20 financial year for fixed premises
- Refunding 50 per cent of personal appearance retail licence fees for the 2019-20 financial year
- Provide free parking at Council’s on and off-street parking areas from April 30 to June 30, 2020, though time limits will still apply and will be enforced by Council officers
- Waiving credit card surcharges for all transactions at Council Service Centres
- Providing community groups, including sporting organisations, with grants of up to $499
“The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted life around the world and added a new set of challenges for governments, businesses, families and the entire community,” Mayor Paul Antonio said.
“We’ve never been through anything like this in our lifetime, and it’s vital we respond accordingly, which is why we’ve approved these items today.”
The Mayor said Councillors had taken a thorough look at all options and believed the package would provide the most help to residents.
“It’s important to note that this is a staged approach by Council, and we will continue to implement further initiatives as we move forward,” the Mayor said.
Future announcements are expected to focus on accelerating capital works projects specifically designed to inject money into the local economy.
“We’ve also made sure Council’s support initiatives are complementary to packages provided by the Federal and State Government,” Mayor Antonio said.
“It’s important we aren’t duplicating support, but rather ensuring those who aren’t already receiving assistance are given the help they need.”
The Council said people eligible to receive the benefits were not required to apply to gain the relief, except for the sporting / community grants.
More information will be provided about these grants in coming weeks.
The Council will also provide $250,000 financial support to the Jondaryan Woolshed.
