Council provides COVID-19 bill relief

Published on 09 December 2020

Pyrenees Shire Council has moved to waive the rates for community not-for-profit groups for the 2020-21 financial year.

Many community groups have lost their income earning potential through the coronavirus restrictions and are facing a challenge to rebuild for next year. Fire Services Levy charges will also be waived.

Council will also waive the registration fees for businesses under the Food Act 1984 and the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.

Mayor Damian Ferrari said food, accommodation and hair/beauty businesses would not have to pay their 2020-21 registration fees.

“Not having to pay these bills will hopefully help our communities across the Pyrenees to return to normal,” Cr Ferrari said.

“Council is aware COVID-19 and its restrictions have had wide ranging effects across the community,” he said.

Council offered a pro-rata refund of the 2019-20 fees to these businesses at the start of the coronavirus restrictions.

Anyone experiencing financial difficulty in relation to rates can apply to Council under our hardship policy at any time. Please get in touch with the Rates office on 1300 797 363.

Council has also appointed additional staff to assist in the recovery through the State Government’s Working for Victoria initiative.

“A new Economic and Business Recovery Officer will commence shortly and they will focus their efforts on supporting the community,” Council CEO Jim Nolan said.