22 May, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council is planning to advance to the second stage of the COVID-19 Business Support Package and is inviting local businesses to help pave the way.

The initial COVID-19 Business Support Package, adopted at the April Ordinary Council Meeting, is progressing well with many initiatives rolled out and a COVID-19 specific round of the Business Partner Program open for applications.

The $1.6 million response included moving to freeze interest accrual against rates, fees and charges, a reduction in business fees and extension of existing grants programs to help businesses struggling due to COVID-19.

Council Manager of Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said that following the successful rollout of the Support Phase, the second phase, the Recovery Phase will be targeted at assisting local businesses during their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

 “For the next stage we are focusing on identifying what additional assistance businesses require as we move into the recovery phase of our crisis response. We want to hear directly from our local businesses about how the pandemic has affected them, and use this feedback to shape the next round of Council support,” Ms Hoddle said.

“While the Federal and State Government have introduced packages and subsidies to help, we are hoping to identify gaps where Council may have capacity to provide assistance.

“The first step in this process is geared towards gaining feedback from the community. We are inviting local businesses to participate in a survey to identify where they need support.

“Once this feedback is received, we will use it to tailor a recovery package to the needs of the Gunnedah community, helping to plan and refine ongoing response efforts.

“I encourage all business owners to complete the survey so we have broad representation of the needs of our diverse business community.”

The survey takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete and will close on Wednesday June 3 2020.

Businesses that complete the survey will also go into a draw to win a $200 Gunny Money voucher. The survey is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/businesscovid

Gunnedah Shire Council has dedicated officers to assist businesses who are struggling at this challenging time. To get in touch with the Economic Development team phone (02) 6740 2100 or submit an online enquiry at www.gunnedah.nsw.com.au

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.