Grants of $500 to businesses to develop an e-commerce base; $2,500 matched grants for upgrades to shop facades; a waiving of interest on overdue rates for all ratepayers for three months and a 25 percent rebate on food premises where operators can prove hardship are among the Covid-19 recovery measures introduced by the Scenic Rim Regional Council on Monday.

Styled as a stimulus package, the cost of the range of relief measures is expected to cost Council between $150,000 to $450,000.

The regional recovery package also taps into the  various bushfire and Covid-19 grants Council has received from the Federal and State Governments.

Concessions offered will include:

For all ratepayers

• No interest on overdue rates until October 1.

• The interest on overdue rates will be reduced from 8.53% to 5% for the three months from October to December.

• In the first six monthly rates bill due this month, ratepayers will continue to receive a 5% discount if payment is made within 31 days, however, in addition if the rates are paid within 32 to 64 days, a 3% discount will be applied.

For those who can demonstrate financial hardship

• No interest will be charged on overdue rates until January 1, 2021.

• Any debt recovery action on overdue rates will be put on hold.

• Rent relief for commercial tenants.

• 25% rebate on annual food licence fees

• 25% rebate on annual licence fees for footpath dining, kennels, caravan parks, camping grounds and shared facilities.

Business and investments offers:

1. Grants of up to $500 to help businesses move to or upgrade e-commerce opportunities.

• Grants of up to $2,500 to upgrade the facade of business premises if operators agree to also contribute.

• Marketing expenditure on the Council’s Investment Incentive program which offers individual case management and deferral of infrastructure charges.

• Business training and mentoring packages.

• Mental health counselling for employers and employees.

• 10 Club Crisis Online Support Packages which gives organisations access to advice from industry experts.

• Free grant workshops.