MAY 27, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
(Damjan Janevski) 208715_02
Big impact for small business Small businesses are being urged to work together as social distancing restrictions imposed to tackle the COVID-19 crisis begin to ease. Maribyrnong council is delivering more than $20,000 in funds to the ive local trader associations to help them support businesses aiming to pick up the pieces after the heavy inancial hit inlicted by lockdowns in place since March. The council will split $21,650 in funds among the Footscray Traders Association, Footscray Asian Business Association, West Footscray Traders Association, Yarraville Traders Association and Seddon Village Traders Association. Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter said the associations have played a critical role in assisting small business owners through the COVID-19 crisis. “It is critical for the relief and recovery of our community that these organisations not only survive but are strengthened by increased membership.” FTA president Leanne Falloon said the traders appreciate the council’s support. “All the help … goes into making us a stronger business community,” she said. MAYOR SARAH CARTER AND LEANNE FALLOON
Benjamin Millar
Rates to fund crisis help By Benjamin Millar Maribyrnong council has lagged spending $4 million to help residents and businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis, with almost half tied to a two per cent rate rise. he proposed annual budget 2020-21, tabled at last week’s council meeting, returns all of the $1.9 million that would low from the capped rate rise as a rebate to the ratepayers struggling the most with the impact of the pandemic. Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter told Star Weekly the council was aware imposing a two per cent rate rise during the current inancial situation may spark protest, but it was seen as
the most efective way to help those who most need it. he proposed budget, valued at $149.7 million in total, includes $52 million in capital spending. he council plans to spend $12.7 million on its roads, $12.5 million on parks, open space and streetscapes and $3 million to build and improve footpath and cycle ways. he drat also includes $1.8 million for recreational, leisure and community facilities. Rate payments for May and September quarters could be deferred by COVID-19 afected businesses and residents, while pet registration and kinder central enrolment fees would also be waived.
Not-for-proit community sporting clubs would have their lease, licence and ground fees waived until December 31 and $300,000 would be spent to boost local arts via a new Community Arts Grants Program for projects run by arts organisations in Maribyrnong. Cr Carter said the council was sent “back to the drawing board” on its budget once the COVID-19 crisis hit. “he thing we are most concerned about is relief for those residents who are hardest hit,” she said. “here has been serious consideration of whether we take up the two per cent rate increase, but if we were not to take it up that does have a cumulative impact of $20 million
over the next 10 years. here are some in the community who are doing it a lot harder than others so we are looking to take up the two per cent and redistribute it to the hardest hit.” Cr Carter said the rise equates to an average $44 increase per household, but no inal decision has been made. She wants “meaningful engagement” with the community before the inal budget and rate rise is adopted. he council will host a live-streamed question and answer session on the proposed budget on June 3. Feedback via email to budgetsubmissions@ maribyrnong.vic.gov.au or online at www. yourcityyourvoice.com.au.
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