Logan City Council announces second COVID-19 support package as part of 2020-2021 budget

The Logan Economic Response Package, which will cost $1.6 million, includes water remissions and licence discounts to help businesses get back on their feet.

Mayor Darren Power said council was behind its businesses and committed to helping them recover after COVID-19.

"There is no doubt that the pandemic has hit communities around Queensland hard, and Logan is no exception," Cr Power said.

"As part of our budget deliberations, the newly-elected councillors explored various measures that we could introduce to support people in the community that need help the most.

"We've already announced a 50 per cent discount on environmental health licences for relevant businesses, which will put $500,000 back into the local economy.

"Today, we're adding an extra $400,000 in water remissions to community groups as well as suspending interest on all rates and charges debts to council for the July to September quarter."

Cr Power said while council had faced the perfect storm of a slowing economy, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and rising costs, the city was in good shape and investment in jobs and critical infrastructure would remain a focus.

"I want to say upfront that we considered freezing our rates charges for six months as part of our COVID-19 relief package, but this would have pushed more pain on to ratepayers down the track," he said.

"This budget extends our COVID-19 relief initiatives to help Logan's recovery from this devastating pandemic which has changed the world as we know it.

"We are very transparent about the fact a considerable amount of time was spent analysing each line of council's accounts to minimise waste and ensure the community gets value for money through the services and programs we deliver."

Cr Lisa Bradley said council had received good feedback about discounted licence fees.

"Supporting business through tough times is a priority," Cr Bradley said.

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