Community Update 16 April - COVID-19. We've introduced new relief measures for community and business... No images? Click here New relief program for Community and BusinessWe've introduced new Community and Business Support Programs with a range of relief measures to support members of the Port Macquarie-Hastings community impacted as a result of COVID-19.We understand COVID-19 has had a significant impact - beyond just the health of members of our community, but also the financial strain due to business closures and job losses. At the Ordinary Council Meeting of 15 April, Councillors resolved to implement a range of financial and non-financial relief for a period of up to 6 months, effective today 16 April 2020. For more information on the financial relief measures available and eligibility, visit our website or keep reading for a bit of a preview. Support for residentsWe have introduced a range of financial relief measures for a period of up to 6 months for residents who are experiencing financial difficulty as a result of COVID-19. We've waived a range of fees including:
Ticketholders for Glasshouse shows will be able to have their tickets credited, transferred or refunded, where the event has been cancelled or rescheduled by the event organiser or event promoter. For more information on the financial relief measures available and eligibility, visit our website. Business relief and Support ProgramFor eligible local businesses, we have waived:
We are also establishing a new Business Support Program to support job retention and growth, and our region's economy during and beyond COVID-19. Some of these measures include:
For more information on the financial and non-financial relief measures for business, and our new Business Support Program, visit our website. New Community Support ProgramA new Community Support Program is being established to facilitate and advocate for better connections and resources for our community to get through this unique and difficult time together. The Program will focus on ensuring physical distancing does not mean social isolation, and shut down does not mean shut out. Council staff have commenced connecting with existing services to identify ways we can work with them, understand what our community needs and help to grow these programs within the community and via our Community Directory. Learn more about what's planned for our Community Support Program. Your ratesWe know rates notices are hitting your inboxes and mailboxes this week. The legislation we operate under requires us to issue quarterly rates notices. We recognise you may be suffering financial impact as a result of the COVID-19 situation, and we're here to help. If you need support, please get in touch so we can discuss your specific circumstances and work through ways we may be able to assist you, such as ceasing charging interest on late payments, entering into payment arrangements, or putting the charges on hold. Because everyone's situation is different, we need to you contact us by email or phone to so we can find the right solution for you. Our offices are currently closed for face-to-face service, so we're unable to process payments you may usually make at the counter. While we've altered some of our services for the time being, please be assured you can still contact us over the phone on 6581 8111, by email at council@pmhc.nsw.gov.au, or via our website. Facebook 'live' and EngagePMHWe have been publishing a range of live Facebook streams, and sharing video content across various Council services. Earlier this week, we ran a Facebook Live question and answer session on our Draft Operational Plan for 2020-2021, where members of the community had the chance to have their questions answered about our delivery plans for the next financial year. Penny from our Library team has been presenting digital storytime for children. Here's Penny with a recent Live Storytime. Follow the Library's page on Facebook to catch the next one! We'll be doing this more often, so we encourage you to get online, follow our Council page on Facebook, join our EngagePMH community to get involved and have your say on Council's plans and projects, and keep up to date with our Library services too! How you can continue to do business with us.Call our Customer Call Centre on 6581 8111 Send us an email to council@pmhc.nsw.gov.au Visit us at pmhc.nsw.gov.au COVID-19 - stay up to date and in the know.The Australian Government has released new digital support this week with the info you need to know about Coronavirus, including an online symptom checker, the latest health advice and news, and additional services info. There's also a new WhatsApp Channel with up to date information and guidance on Australia's response.
More info, visit health.gov.au
Let's work together to keep our community healthy and safe!Stay connected and up to date with Council newsVisit our Website at pmhc.nsw.gov.au Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/pmhc2444 Watch us on YouTube at youtube.com/pmhcouncil Tweet us on Twitter at twitter.com/pmhcouncil |