Media Statements
Australian Government Support Packages
Lotterywest Funding Opportunity
- Crisis and Emergency Relief – Support for Western Australian not-for-profit community sector organisations and local government authorities to provide crisis and emergency relief services – applications now being accepted
Additional Information and Resources
Australian Government Coronavirus app – latest information and advice:
Australian Government WhatsApp channel – latest information:
HealthyWA – information on clinics and current advice:
Australian Government COVID-19 – latest Coronavirus news, updates and advice from government agencies across Australia:
State Government Coronavirus Page – information and advice for the community and businesses in Western Australia including the State Pandemic Plan:
Foodbank WA and Anglicare WA, partnered with Alcoa Foundation – financial support to ensure local people have food and access to important support services for mental health, accommodation, dealing with domestic violence, and financial and family counseling. Made possible by an Alcoa Foundation US$1 million pledge providing COVID-19 relief to communities near their global operations.
To request help in Western Australia, call:
- 1800 979 777 for food assistance
- 1300 114 446 for other support services
Regional Travel Restrictions and State Border Closure:
Travel is now permitted throughout all regions within WA, except for entry into remote Aboriginal communities.
Shire Support for Business and Community
The Shire has implemented a phased approach to support business and community throughout the challenges that lay ahead.
Phase One:
Networks have been established to understand the evolving needs, concerns and initiatives (planned or implemented), in order to ensure a coordinated response.
Murray Community Network
A register of vulnerable persons across the Shire is currently being collated.
A Murray Community Network Facebook group has been established to enable responsive and collaborative communications between community organisations, local church groups and both Shires.
Murray-Waroona Food Network
A register of businesses, their current responses and initiatives (planned or implemented), is currently being collated.
A register of existing resources and facilities that businesses are willing to share or can be utilised by other businesses is also being collated.
A Murray-Waroona Food Network Facebook group has been established, hosting a range of information and initiatives aiding businesses to work collaboratively and adapt how they do business.
Murray-Waroona Tourism Network
A Murray-Waroona Tourism Network Facebook group has been established for the sector to share information, collaborate, share initiatives and potentially strengthen enterprise opportunities.
Neighbour-to-Neighbour Program
We’re working collaboratively with community groups, associations and government agencies through the Neighbour-to-Neighbour program to assist those in Murray facing difficulties and increasing isolation due to COVID-19, including seniors and people with disability.
Need assistance? Click the button below to find out more:
Made in Murray
An initiative of the Murray-Waroona Food Network, encouraging the community to stand behind Murray’s local businesses.
Our cafes, restaurants, pubs, takeaway venues and other food related businesses are working hard to ensure our bellies are full and kitchens stocked with fresh, local produce. Check out the latest offerings:
Phase Two
A comprehensive support program comprising 22 initiatives, was endorsed by Shire of Murray Councillors at the Special Council Meeting on Thursday 9 April.
The program includes:
- No rate increases for the 2020/21 financial year, including for waste and recycling charges
- Freeze on all other fees and charges for the 2020/21 budget
- Deferred payment plans and interest waivers for those significantly affected by restrictions imposed to slow the spread of COVID-19
- Full refunds on all cancelled bookings at Shire properties or facilities
- Support for projects that increase and promote volunteerism and community connectedness, including arts and social programs
- Murray Aquatic and Leisure Centre will remain closed until 30 September 2020 subject to review closer to the proposed reopening date, with savings built into the Shire’s budget to support relief efforts
- No salary increases for employees on fixed-term contracts until 30 April 2021 or increases to Elected Member allowances
- Inspection fees for small businesses have been waived until 30 June 2021
Amendments to the Shire’s Purchasing Policy for the duration of the COVID-19 state of emergency, to further support local businesses by increasing the local price preference as follows:
- 15% for purchases up to $100,000 (ex GST) – increase from the current 10%
- A flat $15,000 for all purchases between $100,001 and $150,000 (ex GST) – increase from the current $10,000
- Suspension of leases and rental payments between 1 March and 31 August 2020 subject to further review, for non-government business tenants occupying Shire properties
- Shortened payment terms from 30 to 15 days to aid creditor cash flows
- Payment options for debtors experiencing hardship in making their payments to the Shire
- Review of community grant schemes for 2020/21, in collaboration with funding partners, with a view to support not-for-profit organisations facing hardship including a review of Council policies to remove prohibitive restrictions
To assist small and medium sized businesses to evolve and survive during the pandemic, through delegation of authority arrangements for planning approvals and associated decisions, Council has ensured that the Shire can respond swiftly and with minimal regulatory, administrative and financial burden for businesses
This enables small and medium sized businesses to lawfully operate with temporary changes of use during the COVID-19 pandemic, approvals for which will be acquired through an express approval service.
This applies to restaurants or dine in cafes which are now operating or are planning to operate solely through takeaway or home-delivery services.
The decisions further allow for other temporary uses likely to evolve as businesses adapt in response to measures taken to combat COVID-19
Planning fees and the Shire component of building application fees will be waived for small and medium sized businesses initially until 30 September 2020
If you are going through a tough time or own a business that needs support, please get in touch with Shire officers on 08 9531 7777 or mailbag@murray.wa.gov.au
