The Shire of Northam is reallocating $1 million to help local businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.
The announcement comes on the back of a budget review carried out by the Shire at a council meeting earlier this week, with the seven-figure sum designed specifically for implementing short term initiatives to support local business.
Shire chief executive officer Jason Whiteaker said that council is looking at a three-phase response to the pandemic, focusing on short, medium and long term strategies.
"Our initial response has been to review our budget position and identify any projects or purchases that did not have a significant local content and defer these to allow more locally focused outcomes," he said.
"This has provided council with access to $1,000,000 right now to get some actions in place to support the business community in particular.
"In addition council has reviewed its current reserves and realigned these to allow for access to a further $2,000,000 to focus more on medium term strategies.
"We will be looking at a range of projects and initiatives that support our community over the ensuing weeks."
In addition to the $3,000,000 already set aside, council is in the process of developing its 2020/21 annual budget with the view of identifying further financial resources to support the community through this crisis.
The Shire of Northam is providing information for the community and local business via its website at northam.wa.gov.au
