ALBURY Council will include $50,000 in its draft budget to help community groups and sporting clubs hit by the fallout from COVID-19.
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The figure was adopted at Monday night's meeting after former mayor Henk van de Ven pushed for $1 million to be set aside.
The money would cover the waiving of lease and licence fees for organisations which use council sites.
Deputy mayor Amanda Cohn moved the figure, following advice from council staff, as part of a series of actions the council will take in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Past mayor Alice Glachan secured two amendments, one allowing for $50,000 to increase and another seeking a list of "shovel-ready" projects that could benefit from government cash.
Cr van de Ven moved for $50,000 to rise to $1 million on the basis of the COVID-19 impact becoming greater than first thought.
However, after other councillors noted to Cr Glachan's amendment allowed for budget flexibility, Cr van de Ven opted not to pursue his move.
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Cr Cohn said she was taking action as a concerned GP and resident.
"I have no doubt that things are going to get worse before they get better and that we may need to anticipate the changing impacts and requirements," Cr Cohn said.
"I hope that that ($50,000) will give some great comfort to those community groups that are really quite anxious about their ongoing financial viability."
Monday night's council meeting reflected rules for people to separate to tackle the spread of COVID-19.
Councillors were more widely spaced at their horseshoe table, with managers who normally sit alongside them moved into the gallery.
At noon on Monday, the council closed Lauren Jackson stadium, MAMA and the entertainment centre as part of a NSW-wide shutdown.
Albury and Lavington libraries remain open, while the Retro Youth Cafe and airport eatery are providing takeaway food only.
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