COVID-19: THE IMPACT ON THE CITY The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on this term of Council at the City of Ryde. Lockdowns, restrictions on movement and significant economic challenges were endured by residents, businesses and employees alike. In addition, limits on community sport, activities and events created increased rates of social isolation among large sections of the local community. To help everyone navigate their way through the immense challenges, Council – aided by a strong financial position – provided continual support throughout the final two years of its terms to help those who had experienced hardship as a result of the pandemic. Measures undertaken by Council were: •
Introducing a Financial Hardship Policy in which ratepayers who received a Federal and State Government support subsidy were eligible for a $400 Council rates rebate and were able to defer rates payments. This policy was enacted on two occasions during the Council term.
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Rental relief to community and commercial hirers that demonstrated financial hardship
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Waiving fees and charges, including outdoor dining fees for small businesses, cancellation fees for venue hire and library overdue fees
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Launching a range of promotional campaigns to promote town centres and support small businesses throughout the pandemic
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Establishing the Eastwood Small Business Hardship Fund, which provided support grants for more than 230 eligible businesses during the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic
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Waiving ground hire and sports field lighting costs for sports clubs upon application
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Moving a number of key events and activities online, including the Granny Smith Festival, the Sustainable Waste 2 Art Prize (SWAP) and the Volunteer of the Year awards
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Establishing Library2U, a service that delivered books direct to the doors of library members through a contactless service
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Activating the lights at popular sporting fields during weeknights to help people stay active and adhere to social distancing rules
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Introducing a new procurement policy that supports local business and helps generate employment.
Operationally, the pandemic meant Council meetings were moved to an online format, while the majority of Council staff were required to work-from-home at various times throughout 2020 and 2021. Despite this, key Council functions like processing development applications, waste collection services and almost the entire capital works program was able to continue with minimal disruption throughout the pandemic.
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