Council Provides $500k in COVID Support

Melton City Council will provide additional COVID support to the tune of half a million dollars through reduced or waived fees and charges for businesses and residents throughout 2021/22.

The 2021-22 Fees and Charges Waivers and Reductions report adopted at Council’s October meeting, outlined an estimated loss of income of $527,236, as Councillors moved to support the reopening of the city.

Under the recovery plan, penalty interest on rates will continue to be waived, at a cost to Council of $65,000 per month.

Council will reduce Food Act and health registrations fees by 50 per cent. 

A number of Council fees and charges for businesses will be waived entirely throughout 2021/22, including:

• Venture Melton Business Network membership fees, 

• Western Business Accelerator and Centre of Excellence maintenance fees

• Permit application fees associated with outdoor dining applications

Sporting groups property hire fees and Library fines will also be waived for the next financial year.

Council finance manager Sam Rumoro said the report demonstrated Council’s support to businesses, community groups and individuals most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the food and hospitality industry, the business network, community sporting groups and ratepayers.

“In response to the ongoing impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, Melton City Council has been working to ensure ongoing support is provided to our community through continuing changes to service delivery, and financial support to our residents and businesses,” he said.

Outgoing Mayor Cr Kathy Majdlik commended the council for putting “extra relief” for the community on the agenda.

“We know that they are doing it extremely tough during this COVID period,” Cr Majdlik said. 

“It’s just another great way that Melton City Council is assisting them in any way that we can to alleviate some of that stress from this pandemic.”