200427 covid-19 recovery package - summary · additional work to our local tradies - such as...

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Up to 1,000 jobs included in COVID-19 Recovery Package Western Downs Regional Council has unveiled a major stimulus package to secure and create jobs, energize the economy, and support the region through the COVID-19 health crisis. WDRC Recovery Package fast facts:

• Total package expected to create up to 1,000 jobs • Targeted rates, fees and charges relief for businesses and residents • $1.3M Community Groups Infrastructure Program and Community Organisation Hardship and

Assistance Grants Program • $14.8 million Accelerated Infrastructure Program • $33.5 million Accelerated Major Projects Program including the development and delivery of

11 major projects for prominent regional locations • $62,500 Business Support Program

Endorsing the comprehensive package at its first meeting following the 28 March election, Western Downs Regional Council is pushing ahead to deliver the multi-million-dollar initiative which would offer targeted support to where it's most needed. Mayor Paul McVeigh said this historic package would cover five core programs focussed on securing up to 1,000 local jobs and re-energizing the economy. "We're putting everything on the table to support our economy and our communities through the recovery of this global crisis, this is our biggest ever commitment and I'm really proud that we have had the financial capacity to do this,” Cr McVeigh said. “This will not only secure and create up to 1,000 local jobs but will also create a fantastic legacy for our region. “The Western Downs Regional Council Recovery Package is focused on creating and securing local jobs for local people - which is why a $14.8M suite of infrastructure projects will be fast-tracked and completed within twelve months using local contractors and suppliers. "Accelerated infrastructure projects include road surface upgrades and flood repairs, footpath installations, and community building and facility upgrades right across the Western Downs. "We will also fast-track the detailed design and implementation of 11 major projects, which will see exciting new or upgraded recreational spaces delivered at key destinations across the Western Downs. "We have committed $2 million to accelerate the detailed design of these projects to ensure they are shovel-ready and eligible for funding under State and Federal Government grants. Council has also set aside over $17 million to deliver these projects over the next three years with support from other levels of Government.

Media Release 28 April 2020

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"These are defining projects for our region and will generate economic growth while celebrating what's great about the Western Downs. Some of these projects include a brand new park in the Dalby CBD, mountain bike trails at the Bunya Mountains, a brand new Miles CBD Streetscape, as well as works to tourist destinations such as Caliguel Lagoon at Miles, Lake Broadwater, Waterloo Plains Park at Wandoan and Chinchilla Weir." Cr McVeigh said Council would also provide relief to those most impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic, particularly local businesses and community groups. "Our local businesses and community groups are the backbone of our region and as a Council, we are doing our part to support those impacted by this unprecedented event and keep our economy on its feet," he said. "A $1.3 million grants program has also been established to support community and sporting groups in the region, with a $1 million fund for infrastructure projects, and a $300,000 hardship and assistance grants program for those groups hardest hit. “Council will also offer targeted relief on rates, fees and charges including a 50% rebate on Retail/Commercial and Shopping Centre rates under the current levy, extend the discount period to 30 June 2020 for all ratepayers, and offer interest relief on overdue rates until 30 September 2020. “We will also waive food licensing fees until 30 June, 2021 as well as planning, plumbing and building fees to encourage growth. "We have also committed $62,500 to deliver initiatives aimed at supporting local businesses including a Business Recovery Planning Program, E-Commerce support, and partnering with local Chambers of Commence to deliver a regional buy local campaign. "To reduce the financial pressure on households, we have waived desexed dog registration fees on new and existing registrations until 30 June 2021. "This is going to be a long fight, and this historic package will go a long way to secure jobs, give economic certainty and deliver projects to look after the future needs of the region." For more information about Council's stimulus package, visit the Western Downs Regional Council website on www.wdrc.qld.gov.au

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Western Downs Regional Council COVID-19 Recovery Package Fact Sheet Accelerated Infrastructure Program

1. $14.8 million to accelerate a comprehensive suite of infrastructure projects to secure and create jobs

2. Projects include road and footpath upgrades 3. community building upgrades and activation projects 4. All works to be undertaken by local contractors and suppliers wherever possible

5. All works to start immediately and be completed within 12 months

Accelerated Major Projects Program

1. $33.5 million to accelerate the design and delivery of 11 major projects across the Western Downs as part of a potential co-funded agreement with other levels of Government

2. $2 million to complete detailed design of the 11 major projects for new or improved recreational spaces to ensure they are ‘shovel ready’

3. Major projects include: a. Chinchilla Cultural Precinct b. Chinchilla Weir c. Lake Broadwater d. Russell Park Mountain Bike Trails, Bunya Mountains e. Caliguel Lagoon f. Tara Lagoon Parklands g. 120 Cunningham St, Dalby h. Miles CBD Streetscape i. MIles VIC/ Historical Village Entrance and Landscaping j. Thomas Jack Park, Dalby k. Waterloo Plains Park, Wandoan

Sporting and Community Groups Program

1. $300,000 Community Hardship & Assistance Grants Program • To provide ‘quick response’ financial assistance to eligible community organisations that are

either experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19-related service disruptions or those seeking to establish alternate service delivery models for business continuity

• Eligible groups may receive a grant of up to $10,000 (GST inclusive) • Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application within 10 business days from the

date of Council receiving a completed application

• Applications open 1 June, 2020 and open for 12 months

• Program will conclude on 30 June 2021

2. $1 million Community Infrastructure Grants Program

• Designed to fund infrastructure or capital works for not-for-profit community and sporting organisations

• One grants round for applications of up to $200,000

• 50/50 funding arrangements with Council • Opening for applications on 1 June, 2020, closing on 30 September, 2020

• Projects must be completed by 31 December, 2021

Business Support Initiatives Program

1. Business Recovery Planning Program • Program to be funded by Council and delivered by local business planning specialists

• To help business build resilience by providing advice on cash flow and relief, turnaround and possible growth strategies, implementing a risk management plan and business continuity plan

2. E-Commerce Support Program

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• Program to be funded by Council and delivered by business support organisations

• Will include webinars and one-on-one consultations to help businesses build their online presence, social media and website

3. Regional 'Buy Local' Campaign • Funded by Council and managed by local Chambers of Commerce via an EOI process

• Create a buy local campaign to support local businesses and help them promote their services, goods and equipment

Rates, Fees and Charges Relief

1. 50% rebate on all Retail/Commercial and Shopping Centre rates under the current levy

2. Extension of discount period on all general rates to 30 June, 2020

3. Waived planning, building and plumbing fees until 30 June 2021 to encourage future growth 4. Interest relief on overdue rates until 30 September, 2020 5. Waived food licensing fees until 30 June 2021 6. Hardship assistance available to ratepayers including options such as payment plans, discount periods

and interest relief on overdue rates assessed on a case-by-case basis

7. Waived desexed dog registration fees until 30 June 2021 to reduce burden on households.

Media Contact: Western Downs Regional Council Media Office 07 4679 4265

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Council backs local Tradies A suite of construction projects will be fast-tracked to create hundreds of local jobs and deliver economic certainty as part of a $50 million comprehensive COVID-19 Recovery Package endorsed by Western Regional Council.

• $14.8 million to accelerate a comprehensive suite of infrastructure projects to secure and create jobs

o Projects include road, footpath and

o Community building upgrades

• All works to be undertaken by local contractors and suppliers wherever possible • All works to start immediately and be completed within 12 months

The Recovery Package includes a $14.8 million jobs package which will see a massive accelerated infrastructure program delivered within the next twelve months to create jobs, keep the economy moving, and enhance the liveability of the region. Council Spokesperson for Strategic Communication and Council Facilities Councillor Megan James said the Accelerated Infrastructure Program would fast-track upgrade projects such as community buildings and facilities. "Council's Recovery Package is about securing local jobs for local people - which will create additional work for local tradies and deliver significant economic support for the region, while also delivering projects that improve the liveability of our towns," Cr James said. "As part of this accelerated infrastructure jobs package, Council will bring forward $7 million worth of community projects, targeted at upgrading and delivering new infrastructure for the community to use and enjoy. “This will boost business confident and sustainability during this tough time by giving immediate additional work to our local tradies - such as plumbers, painters, electricians, carpenters and builders. "Some of the projects include a major revamp at the Tara Pool complex in consultation with the community, painting various community halls across the region, improving a range of Council-owned community facilities such as showgrounds, culture centres, sporting facilities, and improving local parks and gardens.” Council Spokesperson for Works and Technical Services Councillor George Moore said the Program would fast-track road pavement renewals and upgrades and further expand and improve Council’s footpath network. "A $7.7 million suite of construction and maintenance works includes a range of flood damage restoration works following the weather event in February and some important depot capital works,” Cr Moore said.


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"We are serious about doing everything we can to steer our economy in the right direction, with a strong focus on using local contractors wherever possible, and delivering common-sense outcomes to keep our region moving. "All projects under this Infrastructure Program will start immediately and be delivered within the next 12 months, reinforcing our commitment to our local businesses and our local economy.” To find out more about Council's COVID-19 Recovery Package, visit the Council website via www.wdrc.qld.gov.au

— Ends — Media Contact: Western Downs Regional Council Media Office 07 4679 4265

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Major Projects to deliver jobs and enhance tourism for the Western Downs Western Downs Regional Council has announced a huge Accelerated Major Projects Program as part of the total $50 million COVID-19 Recovery Package to secure jobs and enhance the lifestyle and liveability of the region.

• $33.5 million to accelerate the design and delivery of 11 major projects across the Western Downs under co-funded arrangement with other levels of Government

• $2 million to complete detailed design of the 11 major projects for new or improved recreational spaces to ensure they are 'shovel ready'

This stimulus initiative will energise the local economy – focusing on generating local jobs with the intention of also delivering a range of infrastructure to provide ongoing benefits to the Western Downs. Spokesperson for Tourism, Events and Regional Promotion Councillor Kylie Bourne said Council had worked hard to present an initiative that supports the community through the current situation while also preparing future-focused infrastructure plans. "We're putting everything on the table to support our economy and our communities through the repercussions of this global crisis,” Cr Bourne said. “As part of the Major Projects Program, Council has allocated nearly $2 million to fast-track detailed design of eleven major projects across the Western Downs, focusing on delivering exciting new assets to drive economic growth. "We've put a lot of forward-thinking into this package to carefully consider each of these major projects to ensure they will play a huge part in boosting our economy while supporting the strategic tourism and great liveability of the Western Downs in the future." Spokesperson for Recreational Spaces and Cemeteries Councillor Carolyn Tillman said Council was focused on fast tracking projects to bring new life to prominent regional locations. "We're talking about some fantastic regional enhancements including fresh community spaces like 120 Cunningham Street in Dalby, mountain bike trails at the Bunya Mountains, exciting upgrades to the Miles CBD Streetscape and the Miles Historical Village, along with advancements to tourism spots including the Tara Lagoon, Lake Broadwater and the Chinchilla Weir," Cr Tillman said “Fast-tracking and completing the detailed designs on these projects will ensure they’re ‘shovel-ready’ and eligible for support from other levels of Government. "Council has committed over $17 million to funding 50% of construction costs while we're extremely confident about receiving the remaining 50% from State and Federal Government grants. "Once completed, these projects will contribute greatly to our economic growth as they're expected to provide an estimated $20 million in local spending, which is a tremendous forecast for the future prosperity of the region.


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"While our Accelerated Major Projects Program is focused on supporting our local employment through this current crisis, I'm excited to see the benefits it will bring to our region over many years to come."

These 11 approved major projects have been divided across the region which can be identified in the map below:

• Chinchilla Cultural Precinct • Chinchilla Weir • Lake Broadwater • Russell Park Mountain Bike Trails • Caliguel Lagoon • Tara Lagoon Parklands • Thomas Jack Park • 120 Cunningham Street Dalby • Miles CBD Streetscape • Miles VIC/Historical Village Entrance and Landscaping • Wandoan Waterloo Plains Park

For more information about local jobs and the Accelerated Major Projects Program, visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au or contact Council on 1300 COUNCIL. — Ends — Media Contact: Western Downs Regional Council Media Office 07 4679 4265

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Council backs community groups Sporting and not-for-profit community groups will receive a major leg up as part of Western Downs Regional Council's COVID-19 Recovery Package designed to stimulate the economy and support the region.

• $1 million Community Infrastructure Grants Program designed to fund infrastructure or capital works projects for not-for-profit community and sporting organisations. Applications for up to $200,000 per application under a 50/50 funding arrangement with Council

• $300,000 Community Hardship & Assistance Grants Program to provide ‘quick response’

financial assistance to eligible community organisations that are experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19

Council today endorsed the proposed recovery package which includes a $1.3 million funding program to support local community and sporting groups through these unprecedented times. Council Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development Councillor Kaye Maguire said the funding would offer financial support via two grants programs to help groups manage financial strain and deliver important community infrastructure. "Our local sporting and not-for-profit groups are the lifeblood of our communities and Council is committed to doing all it can to ensure these groups can make it through this unprecedented crisis and continue providing an important service to residents," Cr Maguire said. "Council has allocated $1 million to deliver a Local Community, Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Grants Program to support groups seeking to improve their facilities and services to the community. "This is designed to encourage our sporting and community groups to improve their infrastructure and overall service to the community while generating local jobs through construction. "Eligible groups are able to apply for a grant of up to $200,000 as part of a 50/50 funding partnership with Council to upgrade or build new facilities or associated infrastructure. "Applications open on 1 June, 2020 and close on 30 September, 2020 with all projects required to be completed by the end of 2021. "Council has also allocated $300,000 to deliver a Community Organisation Hardship and Assistance Grants Program which would provide financial assistance to groups significantly impacted by the crisis. "Our not-for-profit groups enhance the liveability of our region and are a core part of our community fabric and it's vital their work is able to continue throughout this period and beyond. "Eligible groups will be able to apply for financial grants of up to $10,000 with applications opening on 1 June, 2020.


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"This Program will be open for applications for 12 months, and to provide certainty, Council will notify applicants of the outcome within 10 business days of having received a completed application. "This is about backing our grassroots organisations and giving them the support they need to continue contributing to our active, vibrant communities." For more information about Council's COVID-19 Recovery Package, visit the website via www.wdrc.qld.gov.au


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Business Support Programs offer maximum recovery support to local businesses

Western Downs Regional Council has announced a comprehensive Business Support Program as part of the $50 million COVID-19 Recovery Package to secure local jobs and energize the economy.

• Business Recovery Planning Program to help business build resilience by providing advice on cash flow and relief, turnaround and possible growth strategies, implementing a risk management plan and business continuity plan

• E-Commerce Support Program to include webinars and one-on-one consultations to help businesses build their online presence, social media and website

• Regional 'Buy Local' Campaign to encourage the community to support local businesses and offer another platform for businesses to share their goods and services

The Business Support Program is designed to assist local businesses to prioritise risk mitigation, planning, and business recovery to help them through the COVID-19 crisis and keep the economy moving forward. Mayor Paul McVeigh said local businesses had done an exceptional job adapting to the current circumstances, and now was the time to help them emerge through this health emergency. "COVID-19 has resulted in significant financial pain for our businesses, so Council has dedicated maximum efforts to ensure we can offer the best support possible," Cr McVeigh said. "The Program will deliver three initiatives; Business Recovery Planning, Enabling E-Commerce and a Buy Local Campaign, all of which focus on building business resilience while promoting local purchasing in Western Downs communities. "These three initiatives are designed to help businesses right here and now, while also giving them the tools and the know-how to build business resilience and plan for the future. "Through this initiative, business owners will be given advice on developing risk management and business continuity plans along with assistance in implementing an effective turnaround strategy. "As social distancing measures are still in place, we will be working with the local Chambers of Commerce to provide online webinars and virtual consultations to assist local businesses in enhancing their digital presence and therefore increase online sales. "Our businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and Council will also be working with local Chambers of Commerce to promote the importance of buying local and backing local business.” To access Council's Business Support Programs, local business owners will be required to submit an online application via Council’s website. For more information on the Business Support Programs and other support provided in Council stimulus package, visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au or contact Council on 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624). — Ends — Media Contact: Western Downs Regional Council Media Office 07 4679 4265


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Targeted relief to support business and kickstart the economy Western Downs Regional Council is delivering vital support to local businesses as part of its comprehensive $50 million COVID-19 Recovery Package to secure and create jobs and kickstart the economy.

• 50% rebate on all Retail/Commercial and Shopping Centre general rates under the March issued levy • Extension of discount period on all rates and charges to 30 June, 2020 • Waived planning, building and plumbing fees until 30 June 2021 • Waived food licensing fees until 30 June 2021 • Hardship assistance upon application is available to ratepayers on overdue rates assessed on a case-by-

case basis. Council Spokesperson for Finance, Corporate Services and Business Strategy Ian Rasmussen said Council was providing targeted relief to secure and create local jobs and give the region the certainty it needs to bounce back from this crisis. "As part of this massive jobs boost, Council is delivering a 50% rebate on all Retail/Commercial and Shopping Centre general rates under the current levy to give immediate support to businesses. "Council will automatically distribute a rates cheque of 50% on all Retail/Commercial and Shopping Centre levies that were issued in March 2020 and subsequently paid, and we will re-issue an amended notice for those who have not yet paid. "Council is also offering targeted support to households and has extended the discount period of all general rates and charges levied by Council's rates notices issued on 14 March (for period 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2020) until 30 June 2020. We've also offered interest relief on overdue rates until 30 September, 2020." Cr Rasmussen said Council was also waiving targeted fees and charges to reduce the burden on local business while keeping the economy moving in the right direction. "Under the Package, Council will also waive Local Law Food Licencing Fees until 30 June, 2021, which is a common-sense initiative to support the hospitality sector. "Planning, Building and Plumbing Application Fees will also be waived until 30 June, 2021 to encourage future growth in the region. "We know our community is hurting right now and to give further assistance, Council will also accept hardship applications on a case-by-case basis. To find out more about Council's COVID-19 Recovery Package, visit the website on www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/recovery or phone 1300 COUNCIL (268 624). — Ends — Media Contact: Western Downs Regional Council Media Office 07 4679 4265


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Targeted relief to support families and stimulate economic growth Western Downs Regional Council is delivering targeted relief on rates, fees and charges to reduce the burden on families during this unprecedented health crisis and stimulate future growth in the region.

• Extension of discount period on the March levied rates and charges until 30 June, 2020 • Waived development application, plumbing and building fees until 30 June 2021 to encourage

future growth • Interest relief on overdue rates until 30 September, 2020

As part of its $50 million COVID-19 Recovery Package to secure and create jobs, energize the economy and support local families and businesses, Council has announced a series of relief initiatives that will lighten the load on families. Council Spokesperson for Finance, Corporate Services and Business Strategy Councillor Ian Rasmussen said reducing the impact on those most significantly impacted by this global emergency was the right thing to do. "Council is offering targeted relief on selected fees and charges to reduce the burden on families and help businesses move through this unprecedented time," Cr Rasmussen said. "Included in the Rate, Fees and Charges portion of the Recovery Package, Council has extended the discount period of all rates and charges levied by Council's rates notices issued on 14 March (for period 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2020) until 30 June 2020. "Development, Building and Plumbing Fees will also be waived until 30 June, 2021, to encourage growth in the region and keep local people employed through this crisis and beyond.

“This simple measure could mean a local farm could build the new shed that they have always wanted without any council fees being applied.” Cr Rasmussen said the COVID-19 Recovery Package was a massive commitment by Council to show support for local families and businesses and secure and create local jobs. "The Queensland and Commonwealth Governments are doing a great job ensuring financial assistance is made available to households in need, and Council is delivering relief to areas we have identified as needing targeted support locally,” he said. "We also remind residents to contact us on 1300 COUNCIL if they feel they are concerned they are unable to pay their rates as a result of COVID-19 and we can assess their needs on a case-by-case basis." For more information about Council's COVID-19 Recovery Package, visit the Western Downs Regional Council website on www.wdrc.qld.gov.au


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Dog registration fees waived to support households through COVID-19 Desexed dog registration fees will be waived until the end of next financial year as part of Western Downs Regional Council’s comprehensive $50 million COVID-19 Recovery Package to secure and create jobs and energize the economy. Under the Rates, Fees and Charges Relief Program announced as part of the $50 million Recovery Package today, Council will waive registration fees for desexed dogs until 30 June, 2021. Council’s Planning, Environment and Agribusiness Spokesperson Councillor Andrew Smith said this was an important part of Council's commitment to reducing the financial burden on families during this unprecedented time. "We understand many families are doing it tough due to the Coronavirus health crisis so this initiative will ensure they have one less thing to worry about, Cr Smith said. "Council’s COVID-19 Recovery Package is a massive commitment from Council, unlike anything we have ever seen before, and probably will ever see again. “A key part of this Package is the inclusion of targeted relief on rates, fees and charges - supporting those in the community who need it most and helping our region bounce back stronger than ever before. “Our four-legged friends are a much-loved part of the family, and this initiative will not only reduce the pressure on the family budget but will also give people more incentive to have their dogs desexed with their local vet. “While this is financial relief for families, Council is continuing to enforce responsible pet ownership across the region and it’s great to see so many locals heading outdoors and walking their pets on a leash as part of their daily exercise routine. Residents seeking register a new dog or renew their current registrations will not need to apply for the fee waiver. Council will factor this into the system as part of the normal registration and renewal process. For more information on Council's COVID-19 Recovery Package, visit Council's website at www.wdrc.qld.gov.au. — Ends — Media Contact: Western Downs Regional Council Media Office 07 4679 4265


200427 covid-19 recovery package - summary · additional work to our local tradies - such as...

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