Georges River Council

COVID-19: Support for businesses

The Georges River community, along with the rest of Australia, is facing extraordinary challenges due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses in particular have been impacted in many ways including reduced trade, temporary business closures, staffing issues, and supply chain interruptions. Council is working collaboratively to ensure it continues to deliver essential services, provide support to our businesses and community and engage with our community and other tiers of government to work through this pandemic evolve as a thriving city.

Changes to COVID-19 restrictions and information for small businesses

To deal with the public health risk of COVID-19 and its possible consequences, the Minister for Health and Medical Research has made a number of Orders, under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010. Orders can be amended frequently. For the most up to date orders, and the history of each order, visit NSW Legislation - COVID-19 related legislation.

For help in understanding the public health orders, refer to NSW Government websites below.

Council Support

Council recognises there are residents and business owners who have been adversely affected by COVID-19. Council's Debt Management and Hardship Policy provides payment arrangements such as interest-free extensions and payment plans to ease the burden on residents and businesses experiencing hardship. Visit Hardship Assistance to find out how to apply.

For businesses seeking rates relief who are renting a property, your landlord is required to apply to Council for hardship assistance.

NSW Government Support

Grant and Support Packages for Businesses

The NSW Government has announced an economic support package aimed at helping businesses affected by the current COVID-19 lock down.

Key features of the package include:

- The business grants program announced two weeks ago has been expanded, with grants between $7500 and $15,000 soon to be available to eligible businesses with annual wages up to $10 million.
- A new grant program has been announced for smaller micro businesses with turnover between $30,000 and $75,000.
- A new business and employee support program will be delivered together with the Commonwealth to provide cashflow support to businesses to help them retain staff.
- Businesses will benefit from payroll tax waivers of 25 per cent for businesses with Australian wages of between $1.2 million and $10 million that have experienced a 30 per cent decline in turnover.
- Commercial, retail and residential landlords liable for land tax will be eligible for a land tax concession where they reduce the rent of their tenant.

View the media release for more information.

Further information will be available on the Service NSW website in the coming days.
NSW Small Business Commissioner

Federal Government Support

The Australian Government is supporting Australian businesses to manage cash flow challenges and retain employees. Assistance includes cash flow support to businesses and temporary measures to provide relief for financially distressed businesses.

Please visit the Federal Business website for information on the following:

Latest announcements
The JobKeeper scheme and other support for sole traders, employers and companies
Government assistance for business.

Preparing COVID-19 Safe Business Plans

Prepare a COVID Safe Plan for Restaurants and Cafes

Prepare a COVID Safe Plan for Beauty and Massage Parlours

Prepare a COVID Safe Plan for Gyms and Fitness Centres

Find your COVID Safe Workplace Plan

Guidance for Managers and Staff at Hotels

People are directed into quarantine isolation if they have recently arrived or returned from overseas travel, or they have been identified as a close contact of person diagnosed with COVID-19. These people are required to stay isolated except for emergencies or when seeking medical care, and to monitor themselves for symptoms.

For detailed advice from the NSW Department of Health for hotels and other accommodation facilities hosting people in quarantine isolation, visit NSW Health.

Resources to Keep Your Business Running

Small Business Concierge

Service NSW offers all small businesses in NSW a free concierge service to help you manage your business.

For a one on one session with your business concierge please visit the business concierge bookings page.
Small Business Commissioner

NSW Small Business Commissioner is an independent body that advocates for small businesses across the State. They can help resolve issues for small business by providing strategic advice and support through alternate dispute resolution and mediation services.

Please access the small business commissioner page for further resources and assistance.
Rent and Lease Enquiries

To seek advice on your obligations under rent and lease arrangements, contact 1300 795 534 to speak to an expert on retail and commercial leases.
Keep Businesses Running

The Keep Businesses Running initiative offers businesses access to technology to support remote working. This program rapidly upskills employees on how they could use cloud platforms, stay connected and leverage basic digital workplace capabilities to cope with the mass exodus of employees to working-from-home scenarios with the looming threat of this converting to mass unemployment.
Business Connect

If you require support on topics such as managing cashflow, changing your business model and delivering services online, marketing your business during in a challenging environment, reassessing your supply chain, or even accessing financial support, the NSW Government's Business Connect offers a free, mobile business advisory service. This service also offers advice in other community languages.

To book a session with your local advisor, visit Business Connect or call 1300 134 359.
Face Masks

Wear a mask if it is hard to maintain 1.5 metres of physical distance from others. Also wear a mask if you have symptoms and are seeking medical advice, or if you are in isolation in the same room as another person.

For more information on wearing face masks, view the NSW Government website.

Resources to Improve Your Business

TAFE NSW Fee Free Short Courses

TAFE NSW is currently offering a number of fee-free short courses suitable for businesses impacted by COVID-19. Build business resilience by developing stronger administrative skills, enhance the digital impact of your business, improve leadership and refine practical business skills.

For businesses who have employees working remotely, TAFE NSW has also developed 'Working from Home' online courses to help prepare employees such as setting up a safe workspace, scheduling work and managing the home environment. In addition, managers can learn how to lead their dispersed team.

Visit TAFE NSW's website for more information.
Business Connect

Find and book a Business Connect webinar or event from business experts. Develop your business skills and help your business achieve its potential.

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