We recognise this is a challenging time and community health and wellbeing is our priority.

Key sectors in our local economy such as tourism, hospitality, retail, the arts and many small businesses have been significantly impacted as a result of restrictions around COVID-19.

The 2020-21 ABPB delivers services as close to normal as possible to ensure our community has what it needs to ensure and recover well from this public health emergency.

Having an economic recovery strategy and plan in place is vital for our future. It will identify what we can do to support businesses, how we collaborate with key stakeholders and encourage visitation and spending in the region. It also means we can reinvigorate our businesses and enable them to provide the experiences, activities, support and services that our community need to go about their daily lives safely and as soon as possible. This includes attracting private investment, establishing training programs and seeking new partnerships with State and Federal Government to help deliver some major infrastructure projects.

We have developed a $2.4M COVID support and recovery fund to expend on the things that matter most to our community over this time. We seek the feedback of our community to implement this effectively and make sure it is invested in the right areas

We have created rate relief, fee waiver and reduction opportunities across Councils rates, licenses, leases, hire charges and permits.

We have adapted services for our Libraries and Community Centre’s and provide a range of online options. We have implemented new services to support those most vulnerable in our community.

We have created community grant opportunities to support community led initiatives that generate interest and joy in our spaces.

Consultation closes on Monday 15th June so make sure you have your say before then.