The newly established COVID Advisory Committee yesterday recommended that Council waive the rent on community leases for six months and approve small business grants of up to $2,000, in an effort to help its local community navigate this difficult time.
Comprising the CEO, Mayor, Deputy Mayor and three Councillors, the Committee was established to fast track decisions in response to the pandemic and is informed by the City’s COVID-19 Response Coordination Team and Business Continuity Team.
Mayor Dan Bull said he is acutely aware of the pressure restrictions are putting on local businesses and community groups, and stressed the importance of working together at this time.
“Yesterday the Committee recommended Council waive rental payments owed by 70 of its community leaseholders for the next six months.
“We know the restrictions put in place to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) are having a devastating effect on our community groups and clubs.
“Our local sporting clubs will be forced to reimburse fees paid for cancelled seasons and will be limited in their fundraising efforts.
“We are confident this decision will provide some clarity and comfort for local community groups and clubs who won’t be able to operate for the foreseeable future. Our community groups and sporting clubs are the lifeblood of our community. We want to make sure they are still around once this health crisis is over.
“I am not aware of any funding community groups and clubs can currently access to cover their rent.
“The COVID-19 Committee also recommended Council waive rental charges, for six months, for commercial leaseholders.
“This is a time when all local businesses are struggling. We need to do everything we can to help keep them stay afloat.
Yesterday the Committee also supported the creation of ‘Buy in Baysie’ local business grants.
“Aimed at helping a variety of local businesses adapt to recent changes, these grants have been made possible through the reallocation of unused funds from the City’s Major Town Centre Events grants.
“We hope to build on the momentum gained by the launch of our “Buy in Baysie” online business directory where local businesses have been invited to promote themselves on the City’s website.
“It is anticipated that most grants will be around $250 and will be used to support businesses to move online. Grants will be capped at $2,000 for larger initiatives.
“I would encourage small business owners in the City of Bayswater to jump online and fill in the EOI to access the grants shortly.
The decisions of the COVID Advisory Committee involving the waiving of fees and the small business grants will need to be ratified by Council at its meeting on Tuesday 7 April 2020.