City of Hobart Community Support Package

The City of Hobart has developed a $3.5 million Community Support Package to assist ratepayers and businesses experiencing hardship due to COVID-19.

Assistance for ratepayers

• Interest and penalties will be deferred for ratepayers having difficulty paying the fourth instalment of rates payments for the 2019-20 financial year.
• Council has adopted a Financial Hardship Assistance Policy(PDF, 945KB) to provide assistance to ratepayers suffering financial hardship by providing an appropriate level of relief from rates.
• A freeze on general rates and most fees and charges for the 2020-21 financial year.

Apply for Financial Hardship Assistance

• For commercial or non-residential properties apply here or download the pdf application form.(PDF, 482KB)
• For residential properties apply here or download the pdf application form(PDF, 485KB).

 Assistance for businesses

• Rent relief for tenants of City-owned premises who are experiencing hardship.
• Waiving of fees such as for outdoor dining and food licences.
• Food businesses can apply to expand outdoor dining at no cost.
• Establishment of an online store to support Salamanca Market stallholders.
• Introduction of eCommerce Quick Response Grants to assist with the transition to online sales.
• A strengthened commitment to local procurement.

 Other assistance

• Establishment of the Hobart Together initiative to help people connect with service providers, creative programs and each other.
• Introduction of Resilient Hobart Quick Response Grants to support community and creative initiatives that help people to stay engaged and connected.

• Refunding or waiving of fees and charges to organisers of cancelled events, including sporting clubs using City facilities for training and competition.