Last night Bayswater Council voted unanimously to adopt a raft of support measures, as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its local community and businesses worsens.
Mayor Dan Bull called a Special Council Meeting last night to discuss a number of measures to support the local community.
“The City is working hard to do what it can to protect the community and staff, and is taking steps to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
“With our business continuity plans in place, we turn our attention to those most vulnerable in our community, it is the support we offer them now that matters.
“We understand the pressure this pandemic is putting on local families and businesses and it is important we work together during this national health emergency.
“The establishment of a community care team is critical in connecting the most isolated and vulnerable in our community.
“City staff have already begun calling members of its Community Centres in Bayswater and Morley following its decision to close them this Friday.
“It’s all hands on deck as casuals from the City’s Recreation Centres and Libraries join the Community Development team to call its 800 members to check if they have any family support or if they need help with basic tasks such as grocery shopping. Those who need assistance will be placed on a database and referred to the Department of Communities.
“The establishment of a community care team is an extension of this. We will soon upload an expression of interest form on our website so community members who are keen to volunteer their time to call older residents at risk of social isolation across the City, can do so. We will also be asking volunteers if there are other ways they are willing to help.
“It is important to remember that social distancing doesn’t mean losing your social connection, we just need to adapt.
“The City is also talking with local businesses to identify their needs, look at ways we can support them and provide information on how to access funding from the State and Federal government. We will be directing them to online resources that will help with managing the impacts of COVID-19.
“We will be creating a page on the City’s website to help promote businesses who are now offering online shopping, delivery or pick up options.
“From your local deli, restaurant and butcher through to bookshops, gift shops and clothing stores – we are here to support you.
“It is important for local businesses to adapt at this time. We understand that moving your business online can be daunting and we are committed to supporting you every step of the way.
“The reallocation of funding from the recent cancellation of three of the City’s community events and future rounds of the City’s Better Bayswater and Major Town Centre Events grants will go towards supporting local business at this difficult time.
“We are mindful of the pressure the escalating situation is putting on household budgets and last night agreed to investigate a zero rate revenue increase.
“We will be waiving suspension fees for all Bayswater Waves or The RISE members until 30 June. We’re also allowing anyone with extraordinary circumstances to suspend their membership for as long as they need to, free of charge, from July 2020 to June 2021. Learn to Swim lessons can be suspended indefinitely, at no charge.
“As the level of government closest to the community, I will be writing to the Federal government seeking protecting for all employees, including casual staff, sole traders, contractors and businesses across the municipality who are now vulnerable as a result of this pandemic.
“Council will establish a COVID-19 Advisory Committee to provide feedback from the local community and fast track decisions where necessary.
“The City has allocated $75,000 from its current budget to deal with the crisis.