Budget 2020-21

The budget applies a 2 per cent rate increase to the overall rateable revenue stream, in line with the Victorian Government’s Fair Go Rates System. While this would normally generate additional revenue of approximately $2 million, Council are implementing a rate adjustment to redirect approximately $2.2 million in funds back to ratepayers. This means rates notices for 2020-21, when compared to the previous year, will on average:

• decrease by 0.17 per cent for residential properties
• decrease by 0.31 per cent for vacant residential properties
• decrease by 1.91 per cent for commercial properties
• decrease by 0.02 per cent for industrial properties
• decrease by 0.27 per cent for cultural and recreational properties

These rate decreases may include a rebate of $200 and $900 for eligible commercial and industrial properties, respectively. 

We are also providing additional support for our pensioners, with a further $25 added to the existing pensioner rebates.

The Financial Hardship Policy has also been refreshed and revised. 

As part of Council’s third Community Support Package, almost $2 million will be dedicated to business and economic recovery, including:

• rebates for the 2020-21 food registration ($595,000), public health fees ($63,000) footpath trading permit fees ($150,000)
• extending the waiver of paid parking in Nelson Place until 31 December 2020 (customers of businesses located at Williamstown Beach will also be provided dedicated permits for free parking during this period) ($520,000)
• rent relief in Council owned property ($210,000)
• town planning rebates ($177,000)
• rolling out a business precinct support campaign ($250,000)

Information on the rates adjustments for businesses is mentioned above. The Financial Hardship Policy has also been refreshed and revised. 

Read the flyer - I am a business. What support can I access?(PDF, 152KB)

In addition to the $2.2 million rate adjustment mentioned above, the third Community Support Package also invests $943,000 into community and local business recovery, including:

• a program to support local connections ($100,000)
• incentives to use Council venues including the Williamstown Town Hall and Altona Theatre ($132,000)
• ‘loan to own’ iPads program at the libraries ($60,000)

Information on the rates adjustments for businesses is mentioned above. The Financial Hardship Policy has also been refreshed and revised. 

Read the flyer - I am a resident. What support can I access?(PDF, 187KB)

Like many people and businesses, sporting clubs too are experiencing hardship as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The third Community Support Package provides further support for sporting clubs including:

• waiver of summer sports ground rentals ($72,000)
• strategic planning support for sports clubs to help build strong and sustainable clubs ($60,000)
• sports pavilion cleaning program ($20,000)

Information on the rates adjustments for businesses is mentioned above. The Financial Hardship Policy has also been refreshed and revised. 

Read the flyer - I am a sporting group. What support can I access?(PDF, 161KB)

Council’s third Community Support Package is worth $3 million and has been compiled as a direct result of community consultation. Details are included in the above categories.

The first and second Community Support Packages announced earlier this year were worth approximately $3 million combined and, focused on immediate needs. More information is available on Community Support Package #1 and Community Support Package #2.

COVID-19 Recovery Grants Program worth $500,000 has been added to Council’s existing Annual Community Grants Programs, totalling $1 million in grant funding available for the community this financial year to enable flexible and responsive support to the community.

The refreshed Financial Hardship Policy is accessible to a broader audience including various options available for rate deferral through to waivers depending on the financial circumstances of the individual or business.  Residents and businesses are encouraged to apply for financial hardship relief should they be experiencing difficulties during this time of need. 

Council remains committed to focusing on efficiencies, best practice and value for money for the Hobsons Bay community. We worked hard to deliver a financially responsible and sustainable budget that meets our community’s expectations as outlined in the Hobsons Bay 2030 Community Vision and Council Plan 2017–21.