May 2020
The past few months have been very trying for everyone with the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic quarantine hitting businesses and the community – socially and economically. I THANK the Northern Territory Government for taking the strong stance they did to protect Territorians. This past weekend with some of the restrictions lifted, it was an absolute pleasure to see Territorians out and about again enjoying our region in fabulous weather. The tourism attractions that have reopened were very happy with the response.

Restrictions may have been lifted for Territorians, but please remember to continue social distancing and ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS.  We must not become complacent.


 
Katherine Town Council Municipal Plan for 2020-2021 will be introduced at the June Ordinary Meeting of Council to be discussed and passed to be implemented for the new financial year. We have made the decision to not increase the rate percentage this year in view of the financial hardships that residents and business have endured during the economic downturn due to the pandemic. The valuer general visits Katherine every 3 years to revalue properties. This was carried out last year which could mean a change to your rates payment.  However, our rates percentage has not increased.

CONGRATULATIONS go to 2 local people who received Order of Australia medals in the Queens Birthday Honours. Jawoyn Association chair Lisa Mumbin for her service to the Indigenous community of the Northern Territory, and Ken Rayner for service to horticulture as a mango breeder since 1986.  Both are very worthy recipients and we are proud to acknowledge their achievements to our region over a very long time.

CBD Revitalisation 

Katherine Town Council is inviting tenders for the CBD Revitalisation Project. 

Tender submissions must be received by 10:00am Monday 22 June 2020. Tender information and documentation can be found on the Katherine Town Councils website

Casuarina Footpath 

Katherine Town Council is happy to announce the Casuarina Footpath works have been completed. This footpath is heavily used by schoolchildren and Council is happy to provide a safe walking path. 

Road Reseal 

Tender T20-02B-52-PK1: Road Reseal Program 2019/20 & Tender T20-02B-52-PK2: Road Reseal Program 2019/20 were awarded to Downer EDI Works Pty Ltd at the May Ordinary Meeting of Council. 

Works are scheduled to commence on Saturday 13 June. Resealing approximately 15.5kms of road and 5.9kms of shoulder repair work. 

A New Look for the Katherine Public Library

Katherine Public Library reopened its doors to the community on Wednesday 20 May and is trading at its usual hours. The community can enjoy the fresh carpet, better lighting and a renovated bathroom. The Library staff is excited to see the community back in the newly renovated space.

Tuesday 10 June saw the Library programs and regular events resume. These programs include; 
  • Seniors Digital Literacy 
  • Story Time 
  • Toddler Rhyme Time 
  • Wriggle and Rhyme 
  • Dungeons and Dragons

Katherine Town Council Elected Members Hear the Call for Unity 

Katherine Town Council is aware of the recent negative comments regarding the fracturing of Council and the Elected Members. We want to reassure the community that we are taking this seriously.

Mayor Fay Miller said “All seven Elected Members met together with the CEO Ian Bodill, on Tuesday night, 12 May 2020 to discuss the way forward for Council. The main focus was on improving the organisational culture, consolidate as a team and to focus on completing the many projects that have formed a bottleneck due to a variety of reasons". 


Read more here

Katherine Town Council Change to Open Forums

Commencing from the June Ordinary Meeting of Council, the "Open Forum" which usually precedes the meeting will no longer occur and will instead be replaced by "Questions from the Community", or equivalent in the agenda.
 
The decision to replace the "Open Forum" with “Questions from the Community” has come about in order to receive agenda-based questions from the public, and ensure that general public queries can be responded to in full and in a public setting.
 
Community members can participate in the “Questions from the Community” section of the meeting by submitting their questions, in writing via email (records@ktc.nt.gov.au), online (www.katherine.nt.gov.au), via phone (08 8972 5500), in person at the Civic Centre OR at the Ordinary Meeting of Council.
 
The changes to the "Open Forum" will also be supported by increased public engagement events with Elected Members eager to participate in more frequent engagement activities with the community. Whilst the details of these activities are still to be finalised, they will include regular pop up stalls in high profile areas where community members can discuss issues of concern with their Elected Representatives as well as participate in consultation activities being undertaken by the Council.
 
Katherine Town Council wants to remind the Community that general questions, comments and queries can be posed at any time in writing via email, online, phone or in person at the Civic Centre.
 
Following the endorsement of the Katherine Town Council Municipal Plan at the June Ordinary Meeting of Council, Elected Members will have a stall at Oasis Shopping Centre. This is an opportunity for the community to discuss with Elected Members the Municipal Plan and other queries they may have. Dates regarding the stall are to be confirmed.

Katherine Town Council Offers Support to Katherine Businesses

Katherine Town Council recognises the large financial impact COVID-19 has had on Katherine businesses. In response to this Elected Members endorsed the Special Assistance and Local Employment (SCALE) grant, provided by the Department of Local Government, Housing and Community Development at the May Ordinary Meeting of Council.

Council is offering a rates concession to commercial property owners/tenants who run a commercial business from the property. Grants are also available to rural and residential property owners/tenants who operate a business from a private residence. To be eligible for the rates concession or grant, applicants must meet the criteria as specified in the application process.

The options for the eligible rate concession and grant applicants are as below;

  • A grant reimbursement of one (1) instalment of rates paid for 2019-20; or
  • A waiver for one (1) instalment of rates owing for 2019-20; or
  • A waiver of one (1) instalment of rates for 2020-21

In addition, for all qualifying allotments, the Council will grant a deferment of the obligation to pay rates declared for 2020-2021 until 1 January 2021

In addition, Council is offering a one-off COVID-19 Recovery and Reopening Grant to businesses and not-for-profit organisations. This grant is to assist with the reopening and recovery measures, that provide employment opportunities for Katherine locals. This one-off grant (up to $5000) may include mowing, slashing, cleaning or other activities and services that are necessary for the business to reopen, remain open and/or to recover. The COVID-19 Reopening and Recovery Grant closes 31 August 2020.

You can obtain applications or submit your completed application on Katherine Town Councils website, Civic Centre or email (records@ktc.nt.gov.au) Please refer to the COVID-19 Rates Concession/Grant Flowchart to assist with identifying the rates form that best relates to your situation. 

To be eligible for either of the above concessions or grants, businesses must be assessed as eligible for the JobKeeper Program or Business Hardship Package. This is assessed and obtained through the Department of Business Trade and Innovation. More information on this can be found on their website.

If you have any questions regarding the above, please do not hesitate to contact Katherine Town Council.

Everything Katherine App
 
Looking for a tradie?
Want to check out a local café?
Or maybe you’re wanting the latest information on business support packages?
 

Whatever it is, make sure you check out the newly developed Everything Katherine App.

Katherine Town Council has developed an app to assist the community and business owners on all things Katherine. The app is a “one-stop” for café/takeaways/restaurants, retail, services and grant opportunities. Here you can find operating hours, contact details and a list of services. You can also easily access Council services including its events, rate payments and other opportunities. Everything Katherine can be downloaded at no cost through both the Apple Store and Google Play. If your business wants to register (free), head to the Katherine Town Council website


 
Katherine - Live Local, Love Local
The Katherine – Live Local, Love Local campaign has been a success, so much so that Council has decided to extend the competition for a second round! Community members can submit their receipts of $20 or more at participating businesses and go in the draw to win a $200 voucher to be redeemed locally. The community will have another four (4) chances to win with winners announced every Tuesday, starting from the 9 June - 30 June 2020.

Don’t forget to use the hashtag #katherineproud through social media and share with us the local business/es you have supported recently.

It has been great to see locals supporting locals. Keep up the great work Katherine. More information can be found on the Katherine Town Council website.
 
Keep up to date with events over the June/July school holidays by collecting the School Holiday Program or head to the Katherine Town Councils website

June Ordinary Meeting of Council

Tuesday 23 June 2020. 
 6:00 pm Council Meeting
Ordinary Meeting of Council is now live-streamed on the Katherine Town Councils Facebook page or can be viewed on the website the following day. 



 

Doggy Day 2020

Sunday 12 July 2020
9:00 am - 12:00 pm 
Lockheed Dog Park 
Businesses who would like to hold a store or be involved with sponsorship please contact Katherine Town Council 8972 5500




 

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Katherine Town Council
Civic Centre, Lot 1865 Stuart Highway Katherine NT, 0850
P (08) 8972 5500
F (08) 8971 0305
E records@ktc.nt.gov.au 


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Katherine Town Council · PO Box 1071 · Katherine, Nt 0851 · Australia