Shire of Broome to freeze property rates for 2020-21 financial year under new million dollar COVID-19 support package for residents

There will be no increases to council rates for property owners in Broome for the next financial year, as part of the local shire’s million dollar response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shire councillors unanimously passed a support package for residents of the Kimberley town this afternoon, highlighted by a rates freeze within the Local Government Area for 2020-21.

Other measures in the package included freezing all shire fees and charges, waiving penalty interest and suspending debt collection for 2020-21, refunding all cancelled bookings at shire-owned facilities, rent relief and flexible payment options for property tenants and freezing contracted staff salaries.

A local community group grants program is also set to be launched to help affected sporting clubs, not-for-profit organisations, charities and service providers through the coronavirus crisis.

The shire will also commit funds to continuing virtual library services to live stream educational activities and starting virtual recreation services to post Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre workouts, including circuits and yoga, online for residents.

A social connection program to maintain good mental health during isolation was also included as part of the support package.

More in next week’s Broome Advertiser.