"Many people in rural and regional have lost their livelihoods or have been stood down from work due to the coronavirus outbreak," Ms Staley said.

"The State Government should step in and support councils to provide rates relief to residents struggling to pay them.

"Councils are currently in the process of preparing their budgets for the next financial year.

"This move would give councils certainty about their financial position at a time of great uncertainty, and enable them to guarantee that they will continue to provide essential services to residents."

Any assistance would also help regional and rural councils provide support, as they typically struggle with lower revenues than their metropolitan counterparts.

"We know that local rural and regional councils, like those in Ripon, want to be helping residents and providing essential services," Ms Staley said.

In other news:

"The state government needs to provide this support so that rural and regional councils and their residents can survive."

Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Tim Harrison acknowledged the difficulties faced by the community amid the coronavirus crisis and encouraged people to contact the council over any rate payment issues.

"Business owners and any ratepayer can contact us directly to discuss how we can help them manage their rates payments during this time," he said.

Further announcements are expected from Ararat Council over rates in coming days.

"Council is waiting for advice from the sector and the state government in relation to how all local government organisations might address this issue in the future, and we will work with them to ensure the best possible outcome," Dr Harrison said.

Earlier in the week Horsham Rural City Council announced it will offer interest-fee payment plans for rates and other charges to assist those "doing it tough " during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is also waiving a number of other business operating costs.

Northern Grampians Shire Council chief executive said the council was looking forward to any announcements from the state government "that supports local government, particularly small rural councils like ours."

"Our Mayor is working with our peak body, the Municipal Association of Victoria, to ensure this is the case," she said.

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