RATEPAYERS in Mount Alexander Shire will have an extra month to make their fourth rates instalment.
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The shire council today announced initial COVID-19 relief measures for the community and local business.
In addition to extending the deadline for its fourth rates instalment to June 30, the council said it would establish a COVID-19 financial hardship policy.
The policy would include the development of payment plans and consideration of interest waivers on overdue rates payments for ratepayers that could demonstrate hardship as a result of the pandemic.
Commercial tenants in council-owned buildings could become eligible for a rent reduction, if they were deemed "significantly impacted by COVID-19". The council said assessments would be on a case-by case basis.
It also determined to pay all suppliers as quickly as possible in weekly payment schedules, regardless of payment terms.
A temporary stop on following up unpaid animal registrations was announced. However, the Mount Alexander Shire Council said it was important residents ensured their pet was registered.
April 10 was the due date for pet registrations, but the council said payments could be made until June 30.
Mount Alexander mayor Christine Henderson said there were more support measures to come.
"This contribution aims to provide some initial relief while supporting the larger contributions of the state and federal governments," Cr Henderson said.
She said the council recognised the pandemic had been a huge disruption to people's lives and people were feeling the burden in many ways.
"Councillors will work with the chief executive officer and staff to develop the support package and work through other options to reduce financial pressures in the medium to long-term," Cr Henderson said.
Council staff were supporting local business and were liaising with people across many sectors to work out what kind of support the organisation could provide.
"Our aim is to keep as many essential services running, and support and connect our community to ensure our community will thrive when we come out the other side," Cr Henderson said.
She encouraged residents to make the most of stimulus and support packages announced by other tiers of government.
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