In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, at the Council meeting held 26 March 2020, Council has resolved to freeze any increase to Rates, Fees and Charges for the 2020/21 financial year.
Shire President Paul Omodei said "the pandemic will have a very significant impact on ratepayers across our district. No doubt people are hurting financially from the impacts of the pandemic already and this is likely to get worse before it gets better. The Shire as a business in its own right will also be exposed to significant financial impacts going forward."
Deputy Shire President Cr Jayde Darin moved the motion to freeze increases for 2020/21 which was supported by Council majority.
Cr Omodei said "This may only be a small way we can help our community in the current crisis. We will certainly be looking at other Rating measures we can implement during and after the pandemic including payment options, short term deferments, reducing or removing penalty interest, payment plans and other any other practical way to soften the impact for our community. It is extremely important that the Shire is in a position to assist in activating the local economy after the pandemic and we will also be giving this detailed consideration during our 2020/21 budget process."
