A Message from Mayor Roberts – COVID-19 Outbreak
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By Unpublished By COVID-19 is having an impact across all aspects of our community, but please be assured that the City is working to support our residents, ratepayers and local businesses through this global crisis. Our focus is, as always, on a vibrant, progressive and prosperous City of Wanneroo, and that means planning for the unfolding situation now as well as for recovery beyond the next six months.
We are receiving regular advice and updates from WA and Federal agencies including the Departments of Health. Our priority is the health and safety of our community, our patrons, our employees, and our businesses. We are planning for both this crisis phase of the pandemic, and the recovery period.
It is crucial our businesses can continue to operate where possible. The WA and Federal governments have announced stimulus packages designed to keep workers employed by supporting local enterprises and going concerns. I encourage you to seek advice from your trusted financial adviser who will be able to recommend how you can take advantage of these opportunities.
While we know businesses across our City and our State are facing the short-term impacts of COVID-19, it is vital that we also look to the future. There is some comfort in the recent comments of Reserve Bank of Australia’s Governor, Phillip Lowe on the issue:
Undeniably, what we are facing today is a very serious situation, but it is something that is temporary. As we deal with it as best we can, we also need to look to the other side when things will recover. When we do get to that other side, all those fundamentals that have made Australia such a successful and prosperous country will still be there. We need to remember that.
The below information and resources are now available to help you seek guidance and make informed decisions on planning for the future of your business.
Business Support and Continuity Planning
Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC)
SBDC provides regularly updated information specifically related to small business owners on how to prepare your business, as well as support and advisory services, and government support packages – smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/coronavirus .
Business Foundations
The City of Wanneroo has partnered with Business Foundations to deliver complimentary one-on-one advisory sessions to local businesses to provide information about the Federal and State stimulus packages. Email economic@wanneroo.wa.gov.au for further information.
Business Station
Business Station is a not-for-profit organisation partnering with the Australian Federal Government (AusIndustry), State Government (Small Business Development Corporation), and local government agencies to provide small business services across Australia – businessstation.com.au/about.
Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA)
CCIWA provides information for businesses to help them prepare for a range of potential outcomes of the COVID-19 outbreak including a regularly updated COVID-19 Key Issues Fact Sheet, COVID-19 Impacts on the WA Economy Fact Sheet, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Workbook, Frequently Asked Questions and Consultancy information – covid19.cciwa.com .
Wanneroo Business Association (WBA)
The City continues to work closely with the Wanneroo Business Association, its members and local businesses to provide regular updates. WBA will also deliver online content including webinars and virtual networking to help support the local business community. For details about free online events and business support measures visit www.wanneroobusiness.com .
The above organisations are also offering free webinars including:
Small Business Virtual Forum – Protecting Your Business
Business Cash Flow & Accessing Finance
Demystifying the Federal & State Economic Stimulus Packages
Seeking Expert Advice in Uncertain Times
Managing Disruption to Cash Flow and Supply Chain
Conduct Online Meetings with Zoom
Financial Support
Australian Banking Association
If your business is facing financial hardship because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are practical ways your bank can help. Australian banks have hardship teams ready to assist in a variety of ways, depending on your circumstances. Visit the Australia Banking Association website to find the contact details for your bank’s financial hardship team.
business.gov.au
COVID-19 information and support for business – The Federal Government has announced measures to support businesses impacted by COVID-19. If you’re a sole trader or you employ people, find out what your business can access and where to go for help.
Western Australian Government COVID-19 response
Includes regular updates and details of the WA State Government Stimulus package .
City of Wanneroo
Our Advocacy and Economic Development Team is also available to assist with advice to local businesses affected by COVID-19. To contact the team, email economic@wanneroo.wa.gov.au .
HR and Employer Responsibilities
As part of the Federal Government Stimulus Package there are programs available to help you retain employees.
There is also support for workers, retirees and households under the Federal Government’s stimulus package that you may wish to share with employees.
For further information on employer obligations and workplace laws visit the below links:
Health and Wellbeing
For up to date health information on COVID-19 visit the State Government Department of Health website and the World Health Organisation website.
Support is also available through Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636 or chat online).
Travel
Up to date information around travel advice and restrictions can be found via the Smart Traveller website.
In summary, I encourage you to keep up to date on the current situation through the City’s webpage and to follow the guidance of Health Departments and the World Health Organization with regard to precautions for COVID-19. We are in unprecedented circumstances and I hope that you will maintain a sense of hope and positivity in these challenging times.
While we are all following guidance about isolation and social distancing, please continue to communicate with others, especially those who may be particularly vulnerable at this time. Technology such as video calls, social media, email and even the old-fashioned phone call can make a tremendous difference to our ability to connect.
Best regards,
Mayor Tracey Roberts
City of Wanneroo
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