- Media Release
Council has an extensive business database and is engaging with local businesses to provide welfare checks and support them to navigate the types of stimulus packages that are available from State and Federal Governments. “We are contacting the hospitality sector and assisting them with marketing and promotional opportunities in this challenging climate”, Mr Whicker said.
Council’s Team Leader Environmental Health has also been contacting the hospitality businesses to support their transition to the new business models and ensuring they are up to date with the latest health regulations. “There’s no doubt that businesses in our community are being hard hit and doing it tough, this is having a huge impact on everyone now and into the future. Council is ensuring that it buys local to ensure that the money we spend is circulating within our community” Mr Whicker said, “I urge everyone in the community to go about their day-to-day lives as much as possible while heeding advice on social distancing and personal hygiene, to take advantage of electronic platforms to support family and friends.”
In the weeks and months ahead, Council will have further discussions on how to deliver other forms of assistance to businesses and residents. Council will continue to do business as usual as much as possible to provide ongoing essential services that our ratepayers expect and deserve and will balance this against the ongoing costs of their delivery. Mayor Richard Sage knows that our community is hurting, the challenge is for Council to set responsible and compassionate budgets and to exercise restraint where possible. Advice coming from State and Federal Governments that post COVID-19 will present opportunities for Councils to access stimulus grants for many and varied projects, the challenge will be for Council to partner in these ‘shovel ready’ projects. Mayor Sage said, “As a Council we are yet to determine those projects we will target. The idea behind it is to create employment opportunities with local contractors with the benefits having a flow-on affect for years to come with assets being built and work being undertaken to stimulate small business.”
Businesses and residents with financial difficulties are advised to contact Council to discuss their specific situation where staff may be able to assist them.
Up to date information regarding Council’s response to COVID-19 can be found at yoursaydcg.com.au.
Further information available:
Mr Darryl Whicker, CEO - 87210 444 / darryl.whicker@dcgrant.sa.gov.au
OR
Mayor Richard Sage - 0428 388 084 / mayorsage@dcgrant.sa.gov.au