Council is committed to providing support to local businesses. Council acknowledges that many business have experienced a severe impact, and that some businesses have been affected since January 2020.
Registrations and permits
Council issues registrations to food businesses. It also issues registrations to beauty and body art businesses, and accommodation facilities under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in temporarily closures and/or significant reduction in turnover, a 25% discount on renewal of registration fees for 2021 will apply for all registered premises.
Council also issues permits for street tables and chairs. To assist local businesses recover from COVID-19, Council has waived the 2020/21 permit fee for street furniture for existing permit holders. Renewals will be issued in September with businesses only needing to provide a copy of their current Public Liability Insurance.
Businesses that are tenants in Council-owned facilities
There are businesses that are tenants in Council-owned Aqualink Box Hill, Aqualink Nunawading and Sportlink. They are unable to trade during the closure of these Council facilities. Council will communicate directly to these businesses and will provide rent relief. They do not need to apply or request this relief.
Other businesses that are tenants of Council may apply for rent relief or other support through our online form. Each request will be assessed on its merits. Council will consider eligibility for the “JobKeeper Payment” and the “National Cabinet Mandatory Code of Conduct SME Commercial Leasing Principles during COVID-19”. Applicants should provide supporting documentation confirming the impacts caused by COVID-19, including to ongoing operations, to all funding sources, and access to other support options.