At council's June ordinary meeting, a motion was passed that its Draft Debt Recovery Policy be adopted and placed on exhibition for a period of 21 days for comment.

Councillors resolved that should no submissions be received during this time, the policy be adopted.

The new policy will see the recommencement of debt recovery following a freeze since April last year due to the financial impact COVID-19 had on many residents.

In March 2020 council moved to freeze interest accrual against rates, fees and charges that were outstanding and also ceased escalation of any outstanding accounts to formal debt recovery processes as part of its pandemic emergency response.

In February 2021 council resolved to resume debt recovery actions, but not before holding some workshops and exploring all avenues first.

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Those workshops have now been held, and councillors have acknowledged the unprecedented impact the COVID-19 pandemic may have had, and continues to have, on the community.

As such a recommendation was made to allow an additional year for the repayment of rates, water, and sundry debts under an approve payment arrangement, allowing debt to be repaid over a period of 2 years.

The motion was moved by councillor Gae Swain and seconded by councillor John Campbell. It was passed unanimously.

"From our perspective we're keen to support our community the best way possible by sensible management of the community's financial resources so I think this is a good step in the right direction," Cr Swain said.