Northern Beaches Council will provide further support for local businesses battling their third COVID lockdown by extending the waiver on outdoor dining fees and merchandise display fees until 31 December 2021.

Mayor Michael Regan said it was Council's priority to ensure local businesses are supported through the crisis.

"The current Sydney lockdown has again hit our local business community hard. They have only just begun to get back on their feet following the Northern Beaches lockdown over Christmas and New Year.

"It's very important we continue to be there for them.

"I know from my regular discussions with the business chambers and local businesses that our more than $9 million in business support initiatives have assisted our local businesses during very difficult times.

“Our Business Support Service, implementation of 10 min parking for takeaway, webinars to build online capacity, the recent tradie forum, grants and the various fee, rates and rental waivers have made a difference and complemented the financial assistance provided by the state and federal governments.”

The fee waiver extension is estimated to cost $660,000.

Northern Beaches Council has provided $10.1 million (including this fee waiver extension) in financial support to the community and local businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”