Strathbogie Shire initiatives to support local business

“In our 2020-21 council budget, we have proposed up to $320 000 of support for businesses and have asked council staff to work closely with businesses to work out what would most practically help them in this most difficult of times,” she said.

“However, we have also introduced a number of more immediate measures to be able to assist businesses.

“That includes an extension of the due date of the fourth instalment of council rates to June 30 instead of May 31 and no overdue/outstanding interest to be added to accounts for the period from April 1 to September 30.

“One which has immediately been welcomed is we are refunding any previously paid fees for this financial year to become a registered premises, which includes food business, hairdressers, etc.

“As part of our draft budget, we are proposing that this same fee will not be charged in the 2020-21 financial year.”