RATES

Most people know me as a person who sees opportunity in crisis. At home, I’m a mediator for sibling squabbles. At work, I’m a CEO whose days are incomplete without crisis management. And in council, I’d be much the same.

I believe that as Stonnington residents, we can seek out opportunity in the face of this tremendous economic threat. At the moment, we’re still reeling from the proposed 2% rise in rates that was cancelled soon after by our council. However, in light of COVID-19, many of us feel crippled by the normal rates.

Are you a Stonnington household that would be helped out by a 10% discount on rates? After speaking to families in my area, it seems like this would really make a difference. The council’s rates increase might’ve been scrapped, but this means that rates still remain the same as before. I believe that Stonnington residents need more than the simple maintenance of rates. We need a decrease in rates.

I propose a 10% discount on rates for 12 months, with a review at the end of the year. As a community, we need to be mindful that our country’s economy has changed dramatically. This means we must pivot and embrace the unprecedented changes coming our way. I understand what this means for you. I know the toll that it can take. And I want to support you.

Just as Stonnington’s households are struggling, so are our businesses. Specifically, those in the hospitality sector. Picture this; you’re the owner of Armadale’s very own little piece of Paris, the restaurant Chez Bob. My local favourite. Your turnover has dropped drastically in the face of COVID-19. You aren’t known as a takeaway restaurant, but you have to adapt to facilitate takeaway. Rates have been suspended until March, but you think this needs to be extended.

In June this year, the statistics told us that 161 retail trade businesses were making zero-$50k turnover, which meant just 66 of food service businesses were making that cut. And just 3 hospitality businesses were making $10m or more (Remplan VIC Trends, 2020). This tells us that things aren’t looking too good for retail. I would love nothing more than to help out my local favourites during this time of hardship.

I suggest that as a community, we support local businesses like Chez Bob, by offering them benefits such as more outdoor eating areas, heating and outdoor awnings to make our outdoor spaces more versatile throughout the seasons. In Melbourne, we have the pleasure of experiencing all 4 seasons in a single day, so we should support these businesses by ensuring that they can trade in any weather. I also propose that our council ensures that approval documents and footpath trading rights are fast-tracked for businesses, so they can resume operations quickly and smoothly. I want to make that change happen for our cherished businesses.

Be the change.