With a four week extension to Greater Sydney’s lockdown, the City of Parramatta Council has announced a package of measures, aimed at supporting impacted households and businesses.
The $2.9 million package reinstates various measures, first brought in last year, such as parking concessions and rates relief, and introduces a new childcare gap-fee waiver.
The announcement of measures comes as the State Government adds the Parramatta LGA to a list of eight areas of concern, prohibiting residents from leaving their area, including for work, unless declared essential by the State Government’s health orders.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said the new support package builds on the $3 million worth of measures and economic grants delivered last year.
“Our top priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our community and as the lockdown continues, we’re delivering targeted and immediate support to households and businesses as quickly as possible,” he said.
“My message to the people of Parramatta is to stay strong, please continue to follow the health advice and do not leave the LGA unless you are an authorised worker.
“This assistance will help ensure we get through the current lockdown and bounce back stronger on the other side.”
For three months, backdated to June 26, Council will:
· waive interest on late Council rates payments and implement payment plans for eligible ratepayers;
· waive pre-paid and ongoing license and hire fees for food stalls, temporary premises, non-commercial advertising, community halls, parks, and community venues;
· pay invoices from local, small and medium-sized suppliers within seven days, instead of the current 30 days;
· waive outdoor dining license and approval fees for all City of Parramatta businesses;
· waive rents for Council-owned assets occupied by community groups, essential services and not-for-profit organisations;
· provide rent relief for eligible tenants of Council’s Affordable Housing Dwellings;
· provide various parking concessions to facilitate takeaway services and support local businesses.
To support families, from July 19, Council is also participating in the Federal Government’s scheme to waive the childcare gap-fee for parents or carers on days they choose to keep their children at home due to stay-at-home orders.
A range of other Council initiatives to support the community are also in place, including opening up Council facilities to community organisations that provide essential services, such as food banks, as well as offering services, programs and resources online.
Karabi Community and Development Services have received clearance to use the Reg Byrne Community Centre at Wentworthville to run its food bank pick-up service.
Executive Officer Vicki Wilde said the demand for their Food Safety program has grown exponentially with the Greater Sydney lockdown.
“We have always had this program for people who can’t afford food but since COVID hit the need for this has grown rapidly,” she said.
“Just yesterday we had five families call to say they desperately need food.
“Government assistance does not help everyone unfortunately; there’s still Visa holders or your seniors who can’t get out and about.”
Karabi is now serving about 120 families every Monday for contactless groceries pick-up across its three centres at Wentworthville, Constitution Hill and Seven Hills.
On the second and third Wednesday of the month they offer a larger food bank pack of up to eight bags of groceries for just $25.
Community Wheels assists them in distributing the Food Safety packs each Monday.
For those willing and able to donate, please deliver non-perishable pantry items to Karabi’s Wentworthville Centre at LOT 28 Darcy Road, Wentworthville.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.