City of Stirling Corporate Business Plan

Economic Stimulus and Community Recovery Package

The outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, from late February 2020, has significantly impacted the Australian economy and the health of Australian people. Various aspects of everyday life such as work, travel, entertainment and outdoor activities have been affected.

Community Package ($2.9 million allocated by the City) To support the community during Covid-19, a hotline has been set up for community members, particularly those who are vulnerable such as seniors, people with disability, multicultural and Aboriginal communities. A community group assistance fund has also been set up. In addition, fees and fines have been either reduced or waived for the use or hire of community facilities such as libraries and recreational facilities, as well as for home support programs like Meals on Wheels. Animal registration fees have also been reduced. Sporting clubs will be supported by grants programs, financial counselling services, reduction of rates charges and a turf curation subsidy. Capital Investment Package ($28.9 million allocated by the City) To support job creation and retention, many capital projects will be undertaken. Some of these include: y y Acceleration of Recycling Centre Balcatta Redevelopment y y Major refurbishment of Stirling Leisure Centres – Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre – Inglewood y y Upgrade of Hamersley Public Golf Course y y Park upgrades, sporting facility refurbishments and cycleways y y 400+ projects under $0.5 million that give opportunity to small business. The Economic Stimulus and Community Recovery projects included in this Plan have been marked with this symbol .

Ratepayer Financial Relief Package ($4.9 million allocated by the City) This package includes freezing council rates for the financial year 2020/21; removing interests, instalment and arrangement fees; and finally suspension of debt collection activities. Business and Activation Package ($7 million allocated by the City) Various business-friendly initiatives to support local businesses are included in this package. These include rent abatement for small businesses, counselling services to activate businesses, and streamlining of approval processes to assist the growth of businesses

Two-thirds of businesses, across all sectors, have suffered losses due to decreased demand. Particularly affected were businesses in the hospitality, arts and recreation sectors, many of which are small businesses. To support households, businesses and the community through the difficulties and economic hardships caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the City of Stirling adopted a $43.7 million Economic Stimulus and Community Recovery Package in May 2020. The suite of initiatives under this stimulus package is aimed at providing immediate financial relief to households and the wider community by stimulating local business activities and generating employment opportunities.

in the City. To promote local businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector, a ‘Holiday at Home’ marketing campaign will be undertaken by the City.

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