Gold Creek couple call for clarity over financial assistance scheme for commercial landlords trying to help tenants

Now part-way into May, the Andersons, who see the tenants of the quaint village square as family, have generously waived rent for another month. But while they're trying to do the right thing for the small businesses in the square, they're still waiting on the government's financial assistance to flow through.

The ACT's second stimulus package, announced on April 2, included a plan to hand land tax and residential rate rebates to landlords who reduce rents for their tenants by at least 25 per cent, in an initiative set to cost $39 million.

But the Andersons are unsure what that means for them, and how they can access the help.

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Mr and Mrs Anderson built Federation Square 28 years ago.

"It's a destination for tourists and locals," Mr Anderson said.

But many of their 30-odd tenants have been forced to close or significantly reduce trading.

These include a yoga studio, beauty salon, skin clinic, four cafes, mini golf, reptile zoo, motel, function centres and the Gold Creek Chapel.

The Andersons wrote to Chief Minister Andrew Barr on April 23 asking what support they could access but have not received a response.

"We're just trying to get some help," Mr Anderson said.

He said instead of making their tenants struggle to pay rent through COVID-19 restrictions only to pay them some of it back when they received support, they were on the front foot. But without a government rebate they're worried about what will happen going forward.

"We're hoping we can get some sort of relief for our rates. We cannot afford to continue on this [rent-free path], we're doing it for our loyal family tenants," Mr Anderson said.

"All our bills keep coming in. It's really just outgoings, there is no money coming in because we're helping our tenants."

The Andersons are one of many families and businesses who are frustrated about the issue, ACT Opposition Leader Alistair Coe said.

Mr Coe said businesses were doing it tough and they, along with commercial landlords, had been left in the dark over what financial support was available.

"Given many property owners have waived or reduced rent or are in discussions, an understanding of whether they will get a rates waiver or reduction is vital information," Mr Coe said.

He said it was creating uncertainty as businesses were unsure if they were eligible, and if eligible when the money would flow.

"Many businesses doing it tough are reaching the point of no return," Mr Coe said.

"We need to do absolutely everything we can to help local businesses survive the crisis and bounce back strongly."

Property Council of Australia ACT executive director Adina Cirson said they had been negotiating with the government around the "very significant issues being experienced" by tenants and landlords.

"As part of those negotiations we understand the government will be announcing a package which gives very clear directions and access for local businesses around rates relief and certainty around how they should be acting," Ms Cirson said.

Ms Cirson said she expected more clarity around the issue to come in the coming week.