The Australian Government has announced a $1.8 billion stimulus package from 1 July 2020 to support 537 local Councils in kick-starting the economy in a post-pandemic era. The funding will be allocated using the ‘roads for recovery’ model and the South Australian Business Chamber expects most Councils to receive seven-figure support. Monies will be invested in both infrastructure and community-related projects after local Councils across the nation nominated these as key sectors for potential work. The South Australian Business Chamber welcomes this stimulus package and commends the Australian Government on their decision. This is also a great opportunity for Councils to band together on projects like the Adelaide Wine Capital Cycle Trail, to encourage a tourism-led economic recovery.
With that said, the South Australian Business Chamber has been advocating to local Councils across the State to better support the South Australian business community. As a result, the South Australian Business Chamber has formed a historic partnership with the City of Victor Harbor Council and Business Victor Harbor to save local jobs across the region. This partnership will see the South Australian Business Chamber provide tailored business support services for regional SMEs to fast-track economic recovery. Specifically, the partnership involves an investment of $144,000 by the City of Victor Harbor over two financial years to establish ‘on the ground’ support for local businesses. This includes the deployment of a dedicated business liaison officer to ensure the needs of local businesses are addressed. This partnership also forms part of a comprehensive business support package announced by the Council this week including rate relief measures and an additional $250,000 investment in business support grants. Once again, the South Australian Business Chamber commends the City of Victor Harbor for displaying great leadership and support for regional businesses during these challenging times.
The South Australian Business Chamber strongly encourages local Councils across South Australia to continue looking at all options to support commercial rate payers materially impacted by COVID-19. We congratulate local Councils that are already providing substantive quarter 4 rate relief to significantly impacted SMEs including: Wakefield Regional Council, the City of Prospect, the City of Mitcham and of course, the City of Victor Harbor. As we inch slowly towards the economic recovery phase, there is a golden opportunity for Councils to band together and think innovatively to support the local business community in their efforts to bounce back. Once again, the South Australian Business Chamber encourages local Councils to implement their economic recovery plans to not only provide short-term economic stimulus, but a platform for their local businesses to enjoy a sustained recovery.
