Financial Hardship Support to Liberty Bell Bay

As many Dorset residents may be directly or indirectly affected, Council is committed to ensuring people are aware of the support services and assistance available during this period of uncertainty.

Anyone experiencing financial difficulty or employment-related challenges is encouraged to seek assistance early. Dorset Council's Rates & Charges Policy includes provisions to support ratepayers facing genuine financial hardship due to changes in their financial circumstances.

Depending on individual circumstances, assistance may include:

• Flexible payment arrangements

• Deferred payment options

• Consideration of interest and penalty relief

• Other support measures, subject to eligibility criteria

Residents seeking further information about available assistance are encouraged to contact Council directly or use our Contact Us form - 🔗 click here.

Liberty Bell Bay employees and contractors are reminded that they should seek advice based on their individual circumstances. Information on support available is accessible on the 🔗 Business Tasmania website. 

Flexible Payment Options Are Always Available

Dorset Council encourages ratepayers experiencing financial pressure to seek assistance before debts become difficult to manage. Early engagement often provides the greatest range of support options and can help avoid additional interest, penalties or recovery action.

Council's Customer Service team can work with ratepayers to establish flexible payment arrangements tailored to their individual circumstances, helping to make ongoing payments more manageable.

For assistance, please contact Council to discuss the options available.

Employment and Career Assistance

A range of Tasmanian Government programs are available to support people who have experienced job loss, reduced work hours or employment uncertainty.

Jobs Tasmania Programs:

• Regional Jobs Hubs: connecting jobseekers with local employers, training opportunities and career support services.

• Career Connector Service: providing career coaching, skills assessments and guidance to help people transition into new employment opportunities.

• Rapid Response Skills Initiative: offering financial assistance for training, licences, tickets and skill development programs that support employment outcomes.

For more information, visit the 🔗 Jobs Tasmania website.

Business Tasmania:

Business owners and operators can access advice, referrals and support services through Business Tasmania, including assistance with business planning, workforce challenges and resilience programs. For more information, visit the 🔗Business Tasmania website.

Further Support

Individuals and families may also be able to access information and assistance through Australian Government services.

Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR): provides information about employment services, career support and government assistance programs. For more information, visit the 🔗 DEWR website.

Fair Work Ombudsman: provides guidance on workplace rights, employment conditions, redundancy entitlements and other workplace matters. For more information, visit the 🔗 Fair Work Ombudsman website.

Looking After Your Wellbeing

Periods of financial stress can affect more than financial security. They can also impact personal wellbeing, relationships and mental health.

If you or someone you know needs support, free and confidential services are available:

• Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636

• Lifeline – 13 11 14

• Rural Alive and Well (RAW) – 1800 729 827

Dorset Council is committed to supporting the wellbeing of our community and will continue to work alongside government agencies, service providers and community organisations to help residents access the assistance they need.

If you are experiencing financial hardship or would like to discuss available support options, please contact Dorset Council as early as possible. Early conversations often provide the greatest opportunity to identify practical solutions and assistance pathways.