The Southern Downs Regional Council will open COVID-19 ‘Recovery Hub Centres’ in Warwick and Stanthorpe today, Wednesday 20 May.
The ‘Hubs’ are to provide a way for the council to communicate directly with the community and the business sector about COVID-19 assistance the council is providing and to seek public feedback on the council’s role in recovery from the pandemic.
The ‘Hubs’ are located at the Warwick Town Hall and at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre supper room.
Last Friday the council adopted more than a dozen financial measures related to COVID-19 support and community recovery – mostly related to suspension and waiving of fees and charges – and a second stage of measures is expected within the next few weeks which could include rates payment extensions and related financial relief in the 2020-2021 financial year.
Councillor for Disaster Recovery Sheryl Windle has encouraged the Southern Downs community to “reach out for assistance and share ideas on recovery at the hubs”.
“As part of providing some assistance, Council has now put forward the First Stage of its Economic Recovery Package,” Cr Windle said.
“The next step will be to work towards finding ways to bring the Stage 2 package to fruition.
“The Recovery Hubs have been set up in Stanthorpe and Warwick and it is important for residents to come along to the hubs to seek assistance and to provide Council with information on what recovery support is required.
“Of course if people are unable to come along to the hubs they can pick up the phone and call the Council Office or contact a Councillor.
“I urge residents who are doing it tough, to please reach out and ask for help – we will get through this if we all continue to work together.
“The hubs will operate for at least a month during which Council’s Recovery Subgroup Chairs and Co-chairs will be supported by Councillors to meet with stakeholders individually or in small groups, and gather facts, feedback and information on COVID-19 recovery support required.
“Council has also established disaster recovery sub groups for Human & Social, Economic, Environmental, Buildings, Finance and Roads & Transport, with specialised staff available to discuss these issues alongside Portfolio Councillors.
“The Community Hubs will be located at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre Supper Room and the Warwick Town Hall.
“Social distancing will be maintained and bookings are required.”
• To make an appointment with Council Subgroup staff and/or Portfolio Councillors, please contact Council on 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372) or at edu@sdrc.qld.gov.au
The council is also seeking responses on a COVID-19 business survey – complete the survey here – www.surveymonkey.com/r/LZCFG7Q
More on the ‘Stage 1’ COVID-19 measures adopted by councillors last week here –
