Bayside Council has held its first online meeting this week in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic with councillors not in the chamber but linked via video and members of the public excluded.
The extraordinary council meeting on April 1 was video recorded and streamed live on Bayside Council's Facebook page to reach the widest possible audience.
And while councillors were not physically in the chamber they all participated, unanimously supporting a number of measures to support businesses and residents impacted by the ongoing economic disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Only Bayside mayor Joe Awada, general manager Meredith Wallace and a handful of senior staff were in the council chamber, all observing social distancing requirements.
"The world as we know it, has changed and this has required us to go about our daily lives in ways that are unfamiliar in a modern world," Bayside mayor Joe Awada said in his Mayoral Minute.
"Both Federal and State governments have been closely monitoring the situation in Australia and have issued directives aimed at keeping us all safe, whilst we battle this crisis," Cr Awada said.
"We must do all we can to ensure our health system doesn't become overwhelmed while understanding the economic impact this hideous virus has on businesses, both small and large scale, who provide the backbone of the country's economy.
"Bayside Council has followed each and every directive and order issued by government, to keep our community, our staff, and our visitors safe.
"We will not compromise on this. I call on my fellow Councillors, to support me, in asking every resident, every visitor, every employer and every small business to follow the government's social distancing guidelines and directives for maximum numbers for gatherings (both indoors and outdoors), maintain increased personal hygiene standards, stay home if you are sick, isolate responsibly if you need to, and be socially responsible.
"It is our civic duty - each and every one of us. We must stop the spread.
"We also recognise that people still need to maintain their mental and physical wellbeing. Our foreshore, public parks and open spaces are an important part of daily life in Bayside.
"Outdoor activity can continue, but only in a responsible way. Heavy on-the-spot fines have now been introduced with $5000 for convenors of groups of 10 or more not following distancing protocols; and $1000 for those who are participating in the group of 10 or more, not social distancing.
"I recognise that those in the hospitality industry adversely affected by necessary government directions, need our support, and we can offer this by way of rent relief; for outdoor dining areas and other rents, food shop inspections as well as other fees and charges.
"It comes at a significant cost, Councillors, however we will support our small businesses through this. This is our commitment to demonstrate that we are all in this together. As a result of the Federal Government's directive, we have responded with closures of some of our most popular facilities. Angelo Anestis Aquatic Centre, Botany Pool and all Council Community Buildings and Sports Fields have been shut down to stop the spread.
"We need to continue to be vigilant and care for those who are vulnerable in our community. As such, some Council services have been suspended where face-to-face transactions are the primary method of doing business.
"Specific library programs that provide face-to-face activities to our community have also been postponed until further notice. Our staff are working to provide services in new ways, such as online options that will help support our community through this pandemic.
"I stress, that each person still needs to maintain responsible social distancing to stop the spread. We trust our community to do the right thing. I also recognise that Council is a major employer and many of our staff are also our residents. Council is committed to supporting its staff and providing a safe workplace during this pandemic. We are all in this together."
Cr Awada outlined a range of things that the council can incorporate or provision for in it's 2020/21 budget:
Rates Hardship Policy - Residents and businesses who are having difficulty paying their rates can apply for financial relief under the Rates Hardship Policy. Eligible ratepayers can then enter into payment arrangements with Council. Council's next quarterly rates notice will be issued in April 2020 and is due by 31 May 2020. No interest will accrue on late payments for ratepayers entering into new payment plans prior to 31 May 2020.
Faster payment - Council will inject money more quickly into the economy by paying suppliers for good and services more quickly than its usual practice.
Supporting restaurants and cafes - Where cafes and restaurants are providing takeaway meal services in response to new restrictions on social gatherings, Council will take a flexible approach to compliance while working with operators to ensure the safety of patrons.
Supporting Bayside Council's Community Tenants, Commercial Tenants and Sporting Organisations - that the fees associated with any leasing arrangements be waived or reduced where the operation of these activities is prohibited in response to COVID-19 and the waiver or reduction is based on financial analysis submitted to council during the exhibition of the Draft Budget and Operational Plan 2020/21.
Cr Awada thanked the council's general manager and executive team for working so hard to make the virtual extraordinary meeting happen.
"This is an incredible amount of work that had to be done from the execuitve down to the staff level to have this meeting," he said.
