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Dear Trader,
Tips to keep your business going
Communicate regularly with your customers and staff
Ensure you communicate regularly with your customers and staff to provide updates on business operations.
Understand your options in relation to employees
Familiarise yourself with your obligations as an employer.
On 24 March, the Federal announced a wage subsidy, JobKeeper payment, that will subsidise all or part of employees’ wages every forthright. Register to receive information:
Check Council requirements if you’re changing the way you do business. If you are changing the way your business operates, check with Council, here are instances where approvals are not required.
For example:
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If your restaurant is now offering takeaway instead of dine in food, using your commercial kitchen to prepare the food, no other approvals are necessary.
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If your hairdressing salon is now offering mobile services to your customers' homes, you do not require an additional approval. However, check with your insurance broker that you are covered in this situation.
Talk to your landlord
We encourage you to call your landlord to discuss what arrangements can be put in place regarding your lease, particularly if your business can no longer operate.
On 29 March, the Australian Government announced a moratorium on evictions over the next six months for commercial and residential tenancies in financial distress who are unable to meet their commitments due to the impact of coronavirus. More announcements will be made stay informed.
Government Support
The Australian Government has announced several stimulus packages to help business owners manage the disruptions to their business. Understand where support is available to you.
Powercor Rebate for Small Business
Powercor announced the following support package for small businesses who consume less than 40MWh per annum and use less than 25% of their historical average consumption during the April to June period.
Network charges will be rebated for small business customers experiencing financial stress and who have temporarily ceased trading as a result of the pandemic. This applies for network charges from 1 April to 30 June 2020.
In other support programs, CitiPower and Powercor are waiving disconnection and/or reconnection fees for small businesses that have temporarily ceased trading. This means they will not pay the daily supply charges.
Small businesses don’t need to do anything to receive the rebate. It will be automatically administered through their existing electricity retailer.
Potential Rise in theft and Burglary
Victoria Police anticipates a rise in theft and burglary including vacant commercial properties during COVID-19. Businesses are advised to properly secure their businesses and remove or conceal valuables as best as possible.
Translated COVID – 19 Posters
Posters promoting social distancing in different languages are available at the following link:
Pharmacy Home Delivery Service
Australia Post has launched Pharmacy Home Delivery Service to support vulnerable members of the community and those in isolation. If you are a pharmacist get in touch with Australia Post to see if you qualify to offer free delivery on prescriptions to your customers.
Alfrieda St Civic Plaza
Construction works continue on the Alfrieda Street Civic Plaza upward with demolition works progressing well. The next stage involves the construction of a City Plaza and requires the temporary closure of the north bound lane of Alfrieda street from Main Road East for approximately three weeks.
Stay connected through these local social links:
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