City of Palmerston is supporting the community through this time of uncertainty, by taking action to assist residents, ratepayers and local businesses. 

At last night’s Ordinary Council Meeting a number of decisions were reached to implement financial support measures for ratepayers, local businesses and community organisations.

Assistance for ratepayers

It will now be simpler, faster and easier for Palmerston ratepayers needing rating relief to seek financial assistance, with the following steps in place: 

• Ratepayers will no longer need to consult an independent financial councillor prior to submitting an application.
• Waiving of interest, charges and fees, on application, on unpaid rate amounts until 30 June 2020. 
• External recovery action for unpaid rates may be deferred. 

Any successful waivers of interest will be a one-off waiver for the remainder of the 2019/2020 financial year, in response to hardship presented at the time.   

Council will also contact all ratepayers whose rate balance is in credit for the 2019/2020 financial year, to offer a refund of the balance; putting money back into ratepayers’ pockets when they need it most. 

Community Benefits Scheme

City of Palmerston has made a number of temporary amendments to its Community Benefit Scheme to support the local economy, businesses and the community during this tough time. 

The amendments include:

• The Community Benefit Scheme and the Environmental Initiatives Fund will be combined into one pool of money for the remainder of the current financial year. 
• Availability to Palmerston businesses wanting to make alterations to their business or business model in response to COVID-19.
• The Chief Executive Officer is now able to approve submissions up to $5,000 (increased from $2,000), streamlining the application process. 
• Community Groups and Organisations may now have more than one successful application for the 2019/2020 financial year.  

The current Community Benefit Scheme funds now total more than $60,000 for the remainder of the 2019/2020 financial year, which will immediately benefit Palmerston organisations and businesses. 

Quote from City of Palmerston Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell

“City of Palmerston is here to support our community. Obviously, many are doing it tough right now, and we are taking unprecedented action to support our ratepayers, business owners and community organisations when they need it most.”

“These new measures will take some of the financial pressure off ratepayers and help local businesses make necessary changes, so they can focus on the wellbeing of their families and also keeping locals employed during this time.” 

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