Building resilient communities

Georges River Economic and Social Recovery Plan

Council endorsed the $47 million Economic and Social Recovery Program (ESRP) in May 2020. The ESRP comprises three key phases:

1. Immediate support: programs either implemented or proposed to occur immediately

2. Revival: initiatives that either prepare Georges

River for a relaxing of restrictions and a full reopening

3. Discover Georges River: celebrating the reopening of Georges River and re-launching the

LGA.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we continued to deliver essential services, provide economic stimulus to support businesses and community, and engage with the community and other tiers of government.

Local businesses accessed support packages for small to medium-sized businesses provided by the Federal and NSW governments. The ESRP complements rather than replicates these support packages.

2020/21 was focused on phase 2, Revival and phase3 Discover Georges River. Phase 2 aimed to prepare the community for the revival and reopening of Georges River, both economically and socially. Phase 3, aims to re-launch Georges River and its wonderful offerings to the community and visitors. As the COVID-19 restrictions were relaxed, we adapted our approach and tailored our support for business and the community.

Some 2020/21 highlights include:

• COVID Safe Event Program - a series of online and in-person events for the community to enjoy while staying safe and healthy. This included

Un[contained] Arts Festival, which transformed

Kogarah into a playground for grown-ups, food trucks, a paint and sip experience and surreal expressive performances. People from all walks of life across all abilities got involved in celebrating the city’s creativity. Other events included In Good Taste and It’s a Mood. • Streets as Shared Spaces activations in

Hurstville and Kogarah – NSW Government grant funding for short-term improvements to local streets and public spaces. We installed a pop-up park in Kogarah town centre along with new street furniture and public art, and installed parklets, new furniture, street trees and a neon garden in Hurstville City Centre. • NSW Public Spaces Legacy program - a $4.75 million grant for permanent public domain improvements. We made these improvements to four areas of Hurstville city centre. • Outdoor dining - fee exemptions encouraged outdoor dining. We waived just over $15,000 in fees. • Small business support – we provided small business grants valued at just over $43,000.

These focused on supporting businesses to market and communicate that they are open for business and to adapt and innovate to new circumstances. We also made marketing, business diversification and other online courses available for the local business community and held a mentoring program for local businesses in partnership with the St George Business

Chamber. • Customer connections - innovative ways to connect with our customers. We increased online learning opportunities at the Museum & Gallery and libraries by providing a virtual e-Library, rhyme time and book clubs. • Capital works – continuing to meet commitments.

Our continued project delivery brings economic stimulus while meeting the needs of a growing

Georges River.