A NUMBER of fees are poised to be scrapped for community groups and businesses across Wattle Range Council under its 2020/21 draft budget and annual business plan.
Council has proposed to remove the $50 outdoor dining fee application as well as fees for additional outdoor chairs, tables and umbrellas.
If adopted, the $600 licenced outdoor dining fee and the $300 seasonal licenced outdoor dining fee for a maximum of six months will also be removed.
Event fees for all council owned pool facilities will also be exempt of the original $15 charge.
Wattle Range Council acting chief executive Paul Duka said the decision to remove the fees next financial year aimed to help the community and businesses recover from COVID-19 restrictions.
“We want to help promote and generate the greater use of the Wattle Range Council’s pool facilities,” Mr Duka said.
“We also wanted to assist local businesses who were impacted the most by COVID-19 restriction closures in reducing their fixed costs for outdoor dining fees, whilst giving these businesses an additional opportunity to generate income particularly in light of the current restrictions.
“This gives local businesses a chance to operate more effectively under current restrictions and provide an opportunity for the hospitality sector to generate income under the current economic circumstances.”
Penola and District Business and Tourism Association president Rebecca Trotter said the proposal to remove the fees would help business owners recover after a tough start to the year.
“We support and agree with the exemption of fees for outdoor dining applications and extra chairs, tables and umbrellas in the 2020/21 annual draft budget as any cost savings for businesses at this point in time is very important for economic recovery after COVID-19 shut downs,” Ms Trotter said.
“The exemption of the fees can also serve as an encouragement to create cafe style dining which boosts pedestrian activity and makes a valuable contribution to the region’s health and vitality.”
Public consultation on the draft budget will close at 5pm on Friday.
