15 May 2020
At a Special Council Meeting today, Southern Downs Regional Council considered a raft of relief measures as part of its Economic Recovery Package aimed at providing immediate benefits to the Southern Downs community to support them in recovering from the impacts of COVID-19.
While announcing reductions to fees and charges and foreshadowing other financial support measures, Council recognised the importance of opening up avenues for the community to directly communicate the impacts of COVID-19 to Council and share ideas on Council’s role in the recovery efforts.
From Wednesday 20 May 2020, Council will open small-scale Recovery Hub Centres in both Warwick and Stanthorpe to facilitate this communication.
Councillor for Disaster Recovery Sheryl Windle 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. The next step will be to work towards finding ways to bring the Stage 2 package to fruition,” Cr Windle said.
“Recovery Hubs will be 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.
“We have proven in the past that we have a resilient community and we are very good at looking out for each other. We can’t lose that. 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