15 May 2020
At the Friday 15 May Special Council Meeting, Southern Downs Regional Council voted to implement a moratorium on the Invasive Pests Control Special Rate for 2020/21 as part of its release of Stage 1 of the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Package.
The Economic Recovery Package is the first of several waves of assistance to be announced with the specific intention of assisting the Southern Downs community to recovery economically from the impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic and associated restrictions.
One of the initiatives listed in the Stage 1 package is a moratorium on the application of the Invasive Pests Control Special Rate for 2020/21. The Invasive Pests Control Special Rate has been levied on landholders that do not meet their pest control obligations, through Council’s Invasive Pests Control Scheme (the IPCS). It is also referred to as the IPCS levy.
For residents, this means that Council will not be imposing the IPCS levy for unfulfilled pest control obligations.
Councillor for Environment, Waste, Sustainability and Disaster Management Cameron Gow said that the Southern Downs is a unique region and effective pest control measures were integral to keeping the region environmentally sustainable and profitable.
“Council is aware that landholders may have experienced a loss of income and mounting expenses to address in the wake of COVID-19,” Cr Gow said.
“The moratorium on the IPCS levy will provide relief for landholders who are unable to conduct pest control measures due to financial strain.
“However, we strongly encourage landholders to keep up with pest control measures as best they can in order to reduce the impacts to their land and that of other landholders’.
“If you are unsure how to best to proceed with pest control measures on your property, Council has experienced and skilled staff on hand to discuss the most efficient and effective methods of control to suit your situation. Please take advantage of our officers’ knowledge– they are happy to assist you.”
From Wednesday 20 May 2020, Council will open Recovery Hub Centres to support the community. These Hubs will operate for at least a month during which Council’s Recovery Subgroup Chairs and Co-chairs (staff of Council) will be supported by Portfolio Councillors to meet with stakeholders individually or in small groups and gather facts, feedback and information on COVID-19 recovery support required.
The Community Hubs will be located at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre Supper Room and the Warwick Town Hall. Social distancing will be maintained and a booking system will be used to help facilitate individual meetings. To make a booking to meet 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.
For more information on the Invasive Pests Control Scheme or recommendations on pest control measures specific to the Southern Downs, please visit Council’s website www.sdrc.qld.gov.au or phone 1300 697 372.