I, for one, don't mind council borrowing money but to give it out with no practical benefit to the Shoalhaven region is quite the wrong idea and I can now see why the vote to do this was so close. For the record I would be a beneficiary of this largesse to the tune of some $600 but would still prefer the money go to those in our community that actually need it.

I agree with Cr Gash on council's $300 ratepayer handout. Keep the money for infrastructure improvements. This is a really dumb idea and the money is likely to go to those in Sydney and elsewhere who only holiday here. Not too much thought by our representatives.

I can't believe council has passed this! It is not equitable. What about non-ratepayers? We should direct council resources to what councils are meant to do. Fix infrastructure and improve headworks to benefit all. Local government elections still on in September? I hope so.

This might help those who are struggling to pay council rates as the last instalment is due very soon. Lots have lost jobs, so it could mean that council gets it back in a way.

Times are tough and I live alone with one income, I'm out of work and probably won't have a full income until September. I'm on the Job Keeper, it's only $650 in my pocket each week and it's a struggle to get ahead at the moment, let alone pay all of the bills.

Not one company has eased them for us in these hard times. We are not getting the same salary that we had previously to this virus outbreak.

The phone, electricity, gas, water, mortgage, or council rates. None of these companies have given a discount or really offered any assistance to us so to have someone care about our situation would go along way.

I'm all for handing us back a discount to our rates.

It's a great idea at time of need when people have lost their jobs and are out of work.

Just one more thing to apply for and probably not get. It looks good for the council but the reality is vastly different. Try gift cards to people who have a licence address in the Shoalhaven and keep your help here and to renters and home owners alike.

I aggree with Amanda Findley. The money would be better spent on roads and pathways. It sounds like some councillors are getting ready for an election!

I live in the Shoalhaven. I do not have the luxury of living elsewhere and having a property in the Shoalhaven, to earn extra income or just for holidays.

I am disgusted to think of absent property owners getting a gift of $300 from our council. If you have that kind of b money, use it to provide jobs for local residents.

Council, your responsibility is to the people who live here.