GCCC - THE CITY OF GOLD COAST - LOCAL GOVERNMENT PACKAGES

 

GCCC - THE CITY OF GOLD COAST - LOCAL GOVERNMENT PACKAGES

 

All per our previous email, all levels of the government within Australia have released a number of packages to assist you as businesses in this  unprecedented time.

However, it is likely these packages will change over the next few days and months.

 

For the most up to date information, please visit the following websites to ensure you are getting reliable information:

 

 

1. LOCAL GOVERNMENT PACKAGES – THE CITY OF GOLD COAST

 

The City of Gold Coast https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/business/business-support-291.html

 

The following measures are designed to provide immediate financial support for local businesses currently in survival mode with reduced revenue and significant cash flow difficulties:

 

Fees and charges

Changes will take effect immediately and will apply until 30 June 2020, as a minimum:

• Waiving roadside dining fees for the period 1 February to 30 June 2020. With restaurants closed there will be no further fees until 30 June 2020.

• Waiving development application fees relating directly to the COVID-19 emergency until 30 June 2020. For example an existing restaurant converting to a takeaway service.

• Waiving film application fees until 30 June 2020.

• Waiving rents for businesses with commercial leases on City premises from 1 March until 30 June.

• Waiving fees to commercial vessels from 1 February until 30 June.

• Waiving fees for any bookings of a Council facility, venue or park between 1 February and 30 June that has to cancel due to COVID-19.

 

All refund policies are being relaxed to accommodate full refunds.

 

Rates, water charges, waste water charges and waste charges

Changes will take effect immediately and will apply until 30 June 2020, as a minimum:

• Waiving of all interest payments for businesses that enter affordable repayment agreements for water charges, waste water charges, waste charges and rates.

 

Eligibility now applies to all business property owners and approval can be provided over the phone.

• All new debt recovery action for overdue water charges, waste water charges, waste charges and rates will be suspended for businesses who enter an approved payment arrangement.

 

This excludes pre-existing debt incurred prior to the pandemic.

• Interest charged on unpaid water charges, waste water charges, waste charges and rates will be zero per cent (0%) for businesses that enter into an approved repayment arrangement.

 

Businesses without approved arrangements for repaying overdue water charges, waste water charges, waste charges and rates will have their penalty interest rate cut from 9.83 per cent to 3 per cent.

Expanding the City’s Wi-Fi network

A free Wi-Fi service will be provided to business customers within Southport, Surfers Paradise, Chevron Island, Broadbeach, Miami and Coolangatta; providing access to 4GB of data, at speeds close to 30Mbs, via a secure network connection.

 

Payments to suppliers

The City is making payment times to current suppliers faster.

 

We have allocated additional staff and are making daily payment runs so businesses are paid more quickly.

 

In addition to the above immediate business assistance measures, the City will be considering a broad-based industry specific stimulus package at a later date.

 

Stimulus measures will possibly include the following:

• accelerated capital works program

• revised purchasing policy to benefit local businesses

• fast track a joint venture to deliver high speed internet services to businesses

• further assistance for specific industries including entertainment, dining, film, tourism, education, health and medical research

 

How to apply

To access these business support measures:

Email: rates@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

Telephone: 1300 GOLD COAST (1300 465 326) or 07 5582 8211