We, the undersigned, call on Somerset Regional Council to reduce the 2020 Rates by 50%.

During the last 12 months, our residents, property owners and business owners have endured the economic and social effects of drought, bush fires, storms and now the COVID-19 lockdown.

Many in our community are losing their jobs and suffering real hardships as a result of the shutdowns of entire industries in Queensland.

I contacted the owners of several large and small businesses in our region. All have seen a sharp decline in trade since the COVIC-19 lockdown. Some may not survive.

The COVID-19 pandemic is inflicting real hardship on our local community.

It will take years for our local economy to recover.

Federal and State governments have come up with support packages, but local government needs to do its fair share too.

Somerset Regional Council has delayed the due date for the half yearly rates, but this only defers the financial hardship.

With approximately $60 million in the bank, Somerset Council has a fair sized safety net that can be deployed for the benefit of our community in times of crisis.

A 50% discount on our rates would be one effective and practical way that Somerset Council can help support our community. The cost will be approximately $6.5 million.

Whilst this may cause some long-term problems for Council, a rates reduction of 50% will provide welcome financial relief to many in our local community.

Setting the budget for the next year will be one of the first jobs our newly elected Mayor and Councillors will be called upon to do.

We call on our local Councillors to stand up and do the right thing.

The rest of us are having to make huge sacrifices, so it seems only fair that our local Council should do their bit too.

This petition is for residents of Somerset region in South-East Queensland, Australia only. When signing, please include your suburb in the Comments section.

And please Like and Share on social media. The more local residents who support this petition, the greater the impact it will have.

Paul Heymans
Wivenhoe Pocket