Shellharbour City Council will further increase its financial relief initiatives to assist residents and business adversely affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19.

The assistance may apply to ratepayers, including owner-occupiers, non-owner occupiers, businesses and community groups.

Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said council wanted to support the community as much as possible.

“Time and time again I am inspired by the ability of Shellharbour residents to prevail during times of hardship. Last year showed us just how resilient we can be as a community when we come together,” Cr Saliba said.

“I believe the people of our city, supported by council and the elected councillors, will emerge from the current crisis with strength.

If you are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, I urge you to please contact council to discuss your options,” she said.

Small Business/Community Groups Relief

To support local small businesses and community groups, council are:

• Ensuring small businesses are paid within a week of Council receiving a correctly rendered invoice (this will continue until end of lockdown).
• Allowing users of Council facilities (e.g. Halls and Community Centres) to receive a credit for cancellations during the lockdown period.
• Waiving all or part of Council tenant’s rental payments for a period of 31 days, where hardship is demonstrated. Please apply using the Financial Hardship - Leases and License Form.
• Encouraging small businesses/community groups who have sundry debts with Council to make contact to discuss a payment arrangement. Please apply using the Financial Hardship - Debtor Account Form.
• Removing the Credit Card Payment Surcharge until the end of the lockdown.
• Amending winter season sporting club recreation fees to be charged on a pro-rata usage basis.

Ratepayers Relief

• To support our ratepayers, council are:
• Offering assistance to ratepayers experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19. Please apply through the Financial Hardship - Council Rates Form.
• Removing interest charges on outstanding rates for a period of 31 days.
• Removing the Credit Card Payment Surcharge until the end of the lockdown.

Shellharbour Beachside Holiday Park van owners

To support our Shellharbour Beachside Holiday Park van owners, council are:

• Waiving occupancy fees for a period of 31 days, where hardship is demonstrated. Please apply via email at: COVID19-Financial-Assistance@shellhabour.nsw.gov.au

Shellharbour City Council and councillors will continue to identify mitigation measures on an on-going basis to provide a level of support to those in need.

For more information about council financial support:
Visit: www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/living-here/covid-19-updates
Email: COVID19-Financial-Assistance@shellhabour.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 02 4221 6111

Media enquiries: Abby Anstiss 0432 647 193