Fee waivers and reductions extended

Wagga Wagga City Council has confirmed it will waive and reduce various fees and charges for a further four weeks as the community continues to be impacted by the effects of the pandemic.

Council General Manager Peter Thompson said the waiver of fees and charges adopted by Council on 30 March has been extended at least until Monday 25 May.

The reason for the extension is that the area is still suffering from the COVID-19 management measures and Council will continue to provide relief in this environment.

The extended period will not include reductions for some City Development fees as Council has received submissions from the community for some of these fees to be retained. Councillors will consider these submissions at the meeting on 11 May.

Mr Thompson said the waivers and reduced fees will assist small businesses, residential premises and individuals during the ongoing management of the pandemic and its effect on all sectors of the community.

Council recognised the considerable current and future financial impact the community is facing and approved amendments to certain 2019/20 fees and charges at its 30 March Ordinary Meeting, that would then be reviewed on a four-weekly basis.

Key areas affected include Airport related activities, Gregadoo Waste Management Centre, financial hardship assistance and Food and Health related activities.

Council also approved rent abatements for Council’s commercial tenants, initially for a two-month period. A review will then take place at the end of this period, from 1 June, on a monthly basis.

On 27 April, Council further approved rent abatements for 54 of Council’s community lease and licence holders for a 3-month period from April to June, with a review to occur in June to determine whether these continue into July.

Council will continue to offer all property holders the ability to enter into payment arrangements that suit both the property holder and Council.

Property holders can contact Council’s Finance staff on 1300 292 442 to discuss their account and work together on a payment plan that is achievable in the current environment.