Council to consider additional stimulus measures

MEDIA RELEASE

20 May 2020

Council will tonight consider additional stimulus measures to further support local businesses and the community, as part of a Mayoral Minute.

The first round of economic stimulus measures was passed by Council in April which were aimed to help sustain and build the local economy.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said this was the next step to support and bolster local businesses and the community during these unprecedented times.

“Council plays an important role in sustaining and driving our local economy, and these are another range of measures that will help rebuild and grow our region into the future,” he said.

The following are some of the measures to be considered by Council:

• Set the interest rate that accrues on rates and charges that become due and payable at 0% for the period 1 June 2020 to 31 December 2020. Thereafter, the interest rate will be set at the rate specified for the time being by the Minister.
• Provide $18,000 to the Bathurst Business Chamber to assist it in achieving its objectives within the business community.
• Continue with its annual media usage profile with the Western Advocate and Bathurst City Life for the period to 30 June 2021.
• Set the price for water sold (at Council’s standpipes) at an amount of $2.50 per kilolitre for the period 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2020.
• Repayments on some community loans be deferred for the year 2020/21 and that interest charges for 2020/21 be waived.
• Waive Community Group Licence fees for 2020/2021 for some community and sporting groups.
• Waive Library Fines from 1 July to 31 December 2020.