We understand our community has been impacted significantly as a result of COVID-19. These impacts have been amplified having already been faced with the challenges of the long-term drought and devastating bushfire season.
In response to the impacts currently being faced, we've introduced a range of financial relief measures specifically to support residents in our community.
At the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 15 April 2020, Councillors unanimously resolved to introduce the following financial relief measures, effective Thursday 16 April 2020 until further notice:
Residents:
| Fee / charge relief measure |
Timeframe |
Conditions |
- Waive interest on rates and charges
|
Up to 6 months |
For applicants who enter into payment arrangement son outstanding accounts |
- Waive direct debit dishonour fees
|
Up to 6 months |
N/a |
- Waive credit card surcharge fees
|
Up to 6 months |
N/a |
- Ticketholders to Glasshouse events to receive a credit, transfer or refund
|
Up to 6 months |
Where the event has been cancelled or rescheduled by the event organiser / event provider
|
- Waive impound and maintenance fees (in relation to animals)
|
Up to 6 months |
Registration requirements, including registration fees, will still be required before release if an animal is not already registered. Customers will need to sign a financial hardship form to be eligible. |
- Waive ferry fees for delivery of food and other items to the North Shore
|
Already commenced
Up to 6 months
|
N/a |
- Waive licence fees/application fees for activities on Council managed land
|
Up to 6 months |
Assessed on a case by case basis, where a government directive to restrict or cease operations has resulted in a period of inactivity or reduced activity |
- Waive fees for applications for activities on public / community land under the Local Government Act (Section 68) and applications under the Roads Act 1993 (Section 138)
|
Up to 6 months |
Assessed on a case by case basis, where a government directive to restrict or cease operations has resulted in a period of inactivity or reduced activity. |
- Enable ratepayers to enter into formal payment arrangements to repay outstanding rates and charges, or defer rate payments
|
|
Assessed on a case by case basis, subject to similar criteria and documentation as per the current Hardship Assistance policy
|
- Suspend formal debt recovery actions for outstanding accounts
|
Up to 6 months |
|
- Introduce a payment plan for connection to Telegraph Point Sewerage Scheme
|
Up to 12 months from date of invoice |
For applicants who are approved to enter into a payment arrangement in line with provisions for connection to the Telegraph Point Sewerage Scheme payments |
Businesses:
| Fee / charge relief measure |
Timeframe |
Conditions |
- Waive interest on rates and charges
|
Up to 6 months |
For applicants who enter into payment arrangement son outstanding accounts |
- Waive direct debit dishonour fees
|
Up to 6 months |
N/a |
- Waive credit card surcharge fees
|
Up to 6 months |
N/a |
- Waive rent for Council owned cafes and facilities
|
Up to 6 months |
Assessed on a case by case basis, where a government directive to restrict or cease operations has resulted in a period of inactivity or reduced activity. Any reduction applied will be proportionate to the turnover reduction of the tenant |
- Waive Bin reinstatement fee for businesses (Waste Management)
|
On resumption of normal operations |
Waived on resumption of normal operations where a business has requested suspension of bin services due to COVID-19 |
- Waive interest on outstanding rental fees
|
Up to 6 months |
For applicants where rent is deferred in accordance with the above item (waiving rent for Council owned cafes and facilities) |
- Waive fees for outdoor dining licences
|
Up to 6 months |
N/a |
- Waive fees for mobile food vending vehicles
|
Up to 6 months |
N/a |
- Waive fees for food shop inspections
|
Up to 6 months |
N/a |
- Waive fees for public health inspections
|
Up to 6 months |
N/a |
- Waive fees for A-Frame signs
|
Up to 6 months |
N/a |
- Waive ferry fees for delivery of food and other items to the North Shore
|
Already commenced
Up to 6 months
|
N/a |
- Waive licence fees/application fees for activities on Council managed land
|
Up to 6 months |
Assessed on a case by case basis, where a government directive to restrict or cease operations has resulted in a period of inactivity or reduced activity |
- Waive fees for applications for activities on public / community land under the Local Government Act (Section 68) and applications under the Roads Act 1993 (Section 138)
|
Up to 6 months |
Assessed on a case by case basis, where a government directive to restrict or cease operations has resulted in a period of inactivity or reduced activity. |
- Enable ratepayers to enter into formal payment arrangements to repay outstanding rates and charges
|
|
Assessed on a case by case basis, subject to similar criteria and documentation as per the current Hardship Assistance policy |
- Suspend formal debt recovery actions for outstanding accounts
|
Up to 6 months |
|
- Ticketholders to Glasshouse events to receive a credit, transfer or refund
|
Up to 6 months |
Where the event has been cancelled or rescheduled by the event organiser / event provider |
- Waive Glasshouse venue hire and associated fees
|
Up to 6 months |
Venue hire and associated fees waived, and deposits refunded or transferred, where events have been cancelled as a result of a government directive to restrict or cease operations |
- Introduce a payment plan for connection to the Telegraph Point Sewerage Scheme
|
Up to 12 months from date of invoice |
For applicants who are approved to enter into a payment arrangement in line with provisions for connection to the Telegraph Point Sewerage Scheme payments |
Supporting you in a time of hardship
We understand there may be many people in our community who are experiencing financial hardship during this time.
Our Hardship Policy is in place to assist and you may be eligible to apply for assistance during such difficult times. So if you have any concerns about paying your Council rates or other fees and charges please get in contact with us. This way we can work with you on a plan.
Please contact our Customer Call Centre on 02 6581 8111 or email us at council@pmhc.nsw.gov.au.
We have also expanded our Hardship Policy to include provisions for non-residential property owners.
Mental health and wellbeing support services
Look after your mental health and general wellbeing. Support is out there, and you can access this 24/7:
This page was last updated on: 24 September 2020