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NEWS DESK

Traders plead for ‘drastic’ help Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au TRADE is down, visitor numbers are down and revenue is down. With this nightmare scenario now a stark reality, Mornington Chamber of Commerce is pleading with all levels of government, financial institutions and landlords to “treat business tenants compassionately and urgently with respect to the current financial hardships caused by COVID-19”. It also wants government, financial institutions and local councils to freeze

their landlords’ mortgages and municipal rates to help their tenants keep small business operating. Describing itself as the “key voice and advocate for local businesses” on the Mornington strip, the chamber wrote: “Main Street has been one of the strongest performing retail strips in Victoria, [but] it is not immune to the current economic crisis exacerbated by [the virus]. “Similar to other retail strips throughout Melbourne, retailers won’t make it past three months, given they are now having to shut their doors, unless they receive drastic help.”

The chamber has received support from the mayor, Cr Sam Hearn, who is also runs a cafe. He said he had been speaking to small businesses owners “on a daily basis over the past two weeks”. “We understand the situation they are in and [the shire’s] finance and economic development teams are working on different options,” he said. The chamber said tenants needed their landlords’ help so they are in a position to go back to “business as usual” once the pandemic abates. “These are extraordinary circumstances that require empathy as well as tangible

assistance for small business as it may last many months,” the chamber stated. “[Most] businesses in Main Street are independent and family owned and, once a small business closes, it is almost impossible financially for them to re-open or recover. “While tenants will be doing their best to continue through these hard times, whether it be by seeking to claim government assistance packages, re-negotiating utility charges and rethinking their business model by including new services and practices, one of the biggest impacts will be on a business owner’s ability to retain and

pay their staff.” The chamber said it understood the pressures and impacts were “felt by everyone: tenants and landlords alike”. “We ask that landlords reach out to their tenants either directly or through their managing agents to advise them of their individual position and any assistance they may be able to provide.” Cr Hearn said his “heart” was with local business people. “My cafe is on the edge, too,” he said. “I feel their pain”. “Crisis backing for business” Page 10

Caring for our community during Coronavirus

Getting through this together

To protect the safety of our community the Mornington Peninsula Shire is taking measures to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19. This is a rapidly evolving situation. We will keep our community informed as things unfold. Council’s immediate priority is keeping our community well. For the latest updates on impacted council services, programs, events and activities visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

Essential services Please check our website for up to date information on the delivery of essential services to the community. mornpen.vic.gov.au/coronavirus 5950 1000

Business support Advice, updates and support to help your business plan and respond to coronavirus COVID-19 is available from Business Victoria. They have also set up a hotline to help businesses with COVID-19 questions: 13 22 15 business.vic.gov.au

Events and gatherings

Services and facilities

We’ve had to cancel or postpone events in line with the requirements of the federal and state governments. Please check our website for the most recent information

Staying well

Shire libraries, recreation and aquatic centres, gallery, visitor information, community houses, foreshore camping and other non-essential Shire-run facilities are closed until further notice. Please check our website for a full list of closures.

For all health-related queries about Coronavirus: • Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS): dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus • Coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline (if you believe you are showing symptoms): 1800 675 398 • For information in languages other than English: 131 450 • Only call Triple Zero ( 000) in emergencies.

Messages from our councillors Your Councillors (L–R) Seawinds Briars Nepean

Crs Simon Brooks, Antonella Celi, Frank Martin Crs Rosie Clark, Bev Colomb, Sam Hearn Crs Hugh Fraser, Bryan Payne

Buy local and support our businesses There are many small and larger businesses on the Mornington Peninsula that contribute to our economy and support thousands of families. Where possible please buy local – our businesses really need you right now. Many businesses that can are moving to online sales so check out if your favourite shops are offering their goods or services online and are delivering already.

Protect yourself and others We all need to play our part in helping stop the spread of Coronavirus and ‘flattening the curve’ so our health system can provide the care required during this pandemic. Following the advice of state and federal government health authorities is crucial. Remember the most effective thing you can do is practice good hand hygiene, follow social distancing and self-isolating advice and keep away from others if you are unwell. Please make sure you are familiar with the Federal Government’s good hygiene campaign: health.gov.au

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Mornington News 31 March 2020

Cerberus Watson Red Hill

Cr Kate Roper Cr Julie Morris Cr David Gill

Check in on a neighbour In these changing times we need to look out for and support others in need. There are many ways you can do this, for example offer to do the shopping for an elderly neighbor and leave it at their doorstep; explain to someone how to set up their computer or device so they can keep in touch with family and friends more easily; or just check in on people and make sure they are coping and have the support they need. We all need to be the best we can and get through this together.

Looking after the vulnerable in our community Like the rest of Australia and all around the world, the Mornington Peninsula has felt the impact of measures put in place to stop the spread of Coronavirus. We understand this is a difficult time for everyone in our community and we are particularly mindful of people who are most vulnerable and socially isolated. Our priority is to ensure our community stays connected and gets the essential services they need.