JULY 14, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Business takes big hit By Tate Papworth Active cases of COVID-19 within Brimbank climbed to more than 100 at the weekend. An additional 19 cases were added to the active tally on Sunday, bringing Brimbank’s total to 116. A number of the cases are linked to outbreaks, including four cases which have been linked to the JBS Abattoir in Brooklyn. While much of the state was thrust into state 3 lockdown once again last week, a number of Brimbank suburbs had been sent into lockdown almost a week earlier in a bid to curb climbing case numbers. It’s taken a massive toll on local business – a survey of businesses in the municipality revealing 90 per cent have been impacted by the pandemic. he council-wide survey found that of 171 businesses, many of which employ less than 20 people, 92 per cent experienced loss of revenue and customers, a reduction in staf and an impact on operating costs and supply chains. Brimbank mayor Georgina Papafotiou said while the results were not surprising, they were particularly concerning in an area with high levels of socio-economic disadvantage. “Some businesses have had no income or signiicantly reduced income during the restrictions and there are concerns about their ability to pay ongoing business expenses, particularly when deferred payments come due,” Cr Papafotiou said. However there was some relief for businesses with Victorian treasurer Tim Pallas announcing a $534 million business support package last week. he package will include $5000 grants for eligible businesses to support them during the restrictions; a $30 million dedicated fund for hardest hit hospitality businesses; and $26 million in mental health support. It will also include a $10 million business mentoring program pairing small business owners with experienced professionals. Mr Pallas said the government would continue to provide aid for struggling businesses. “We are putting in place real, tangible eforts to assist the community and those tangible eforts will be ongoing,” Mr Pallas said. “his is not the last of the support you will hear from the government.”
Main: A police border checkpoint in Kalkallo. (Joe Mastroianni) 211041_01 Above left: Drive-thru testing in Keilor. (Joe Mastroianni) 210988_11 Right: Restaurants have been forced to close again. (Pictures: Stewart Chambers)
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