Revitalised Relief and Recovery Package provides COVID-19 support
Published on 03 June 2021
COVID-19 support remains at the heart of Frankston City Council as it continues to assist individuals, community groups and businesses via its $9.128 million COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Package.
Council’s draft Council Plan and Budget (currently out for consultation) proposes to invest $3.86 million in Covid-19 recovery support for locals, businesses and community groups. This would see the total support provided by Council’s Relief and Recovery Package increase to $9.128 million.
Mayor Kris Bolam said the Council acknowledges the current lockdown is creating hardship following by an exceptionally difficult 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Mayor said Council’s support complemented the State Government’s recently announced $250 million Circuit Breaker Business Support Package, adding: “We welcome this package, particularly as it not only recognises the important role of small businesses in our community, but backs this up with much needed funding during the current lockdown.
“The Circuit Breaker Business Support Package complements the helping hand and supports we’re extending in our draft 2021/22 Budget to provide significant assistance to help individuals, businesses, sporting clubs and community groups recover from the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.
“Council has a proud record of being there for residents, businesses and community groups in times of need and our revitalised Relief and Recovery Package is another example of this.
“The revitalised package partly focuses on supporting our community to survive and thrive with funding for Community Recovery Grants ($100,000), Student Grants ($10,000), Relief and Recovery Triage Service ($150,000), mental health support programs (100,000) and Meals on Wheels ($150,000),” the Mayor said.
Mayor Bolam said a $500,000 grant will be considered for key welfare group, Community Support Frankston (CSF), as part of Council’s 2021/22 Budget. This is on top of additional $825,000 support for CSF as part Council’s Relief and Recovery Package in the 2020/21 Budget.
“Council and CSF have worked closely to provide vital support for Frankston City’s most vulnerable and the revitalised $9.128 million COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Package critically acknowledges the need for ongoing assistance,” the Mayor said.
Deputy Mayor Nathan Conroy said the Relief and Recovery Package also includes substantial funding to ensure Frankston City’s ongoing economic recovery.
“A healthy economy drives investment, employment and prosperity – hence underpinning a healthy community. The package includes fee relief ($220,000), local artist grants ($25,000), Invest Frankston Business Grants ($170,000), Frankston Business and Industry Chamber ($500,000), Invest Frankston marketing campaign ($100,000), calendar of activations and small events ($100,000) and local business ‘buy local’ reward program and campaign ($237,000),” Cr Conroy said.
Cr Conroy added: “The extra funds are part of our commitment to helping our community get back on its feet.”
North West Ward Cr Sue Baker said the boosted Relief and Recovery Package includes $1.5 million to stimulate the Frankston City economy and provide much needed relief to residents.
“This includes $1.1 million for a discount voucher program for residents to be spent on an at call hard waste collection, a Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre pass or a show at the Frankston Arts Centre.
“We’re also planning to spend another $400,000 to extend our $200 hardship rates waiver for residential owner occupiers,” Cr Baker said.
For more information about Council’s Business Grants, please visit https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Business-and-Growth/Business-grants
To have your say on the draft Council Plan and Budget, please visit www.frankston.vic.gov.au/CouncilPlanandBudget
For details about the State Government’s $250 million Circuit Breaker Business Support Package, please visit https://business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/circuit-breaker-business-support-package