Council chief executive officer Peter Schneider said the council would offer support on a case-by-base basis under its hardship provisions.

"We believe rates deferrals would help until businesses and families are back on their feet and have the capacity to service these costs," Mr Schneider said.

"At this stage council is not proposing a wholesale deferral of rates as each individual's circumstances are different."

He said property owners would be able to apply for a deferral through an online application form.

But Warrnambool Ratepayers' Association president Brian Kelson, a former councillor, said the council was slow to act and called for wide-reaching relief such as a halt on increases to rates and charges next financial year.

"I think what the council has offered is not enough and it should be right across the board," Mr Kelson said.

He called for a deferral of "non-essential projects" such as works at the library and Reid Oval, while refuting that could also contribute to unemployment.

"They are not employed at this point in time .... we need to look after the people from Warrnambool," Mr Kelson said.

The ratepayers' association also called for a cut to executive salaries, and refunds for council property use for affected groups and businesses.

Mayor Tony Herbert said the council was "looking at everything" to respond to the virus fallout, but added there was "limited capacity" and major support was up to state and federal government.

"Local government collect only three per cent of the tax revenue that any person pays for a year," Cr Herbert said.

"I can assure you at the forefront of every councillors' mind is just getting through this and then providing what we can to further cushion the impacts for people and try and stimulate something in our limited capacity.

"Council will need to consider whether the call from the ratepayers association would have long-term detrimental effects on council's capacity to deliver programs and projects, the majority of which are locally delivered."

Meanwhile, Moyne Shire Council is yet to announce new measures to support residents and businesses.

Community and corporate services director Kevin Leddin said the council would consider "a range of economic support and hardship provisions as part of upcoming budget discussions".

Corangamite Shire councillors voted this week to defer and waive interest on rates until July this year, and to not apply a rate increase in the 2020-21 budget. The recommendation relies on councillors endorsing next year's budget.

Glenelg Shire Council voted this week to abolish Portland CBD parking metres, waive increase to next financial years' fees and charges, and halt the roll out of a green waste service for 12 months.

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