Kiama MP Gareth Ward has written to NSW treasurer Dominic Perrottet requesting a COVID rescue package for small businesses in Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and the Shoalhaven.
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Mr Ward asked the treasurer to consider a direct payment to businesses impacted by the latest COVID lockdown.
And a doubling in the value of the Dine & Discover vouchers in regional NSW when stay-at-home orders are lifted.
Mr Ward also asked that Payroll Tax waivers be considered for impacted businesses. And encouraged the treasurer to join him in asking commercial landlords to be sympathetic, supportive and generous towards small business operators impacted as a result the second wave of COVID-19.
He explained how small South Coast businesses had already faced bushfires, floods and the first wave of COVID-19 when a second wave impacted businesses in the four local government areas.
Noting how the NSW Government received higher than expected revenues from State Duty during the last financial year he asked the treasurer to consider a strong package of supports for COVID-impacted businesses so that they can sustain themselves through the present lockdown and re-establish themselves in the aftermath.
"Small business is the backbone of regional economies. As you know, so many of our local small businesses are owner-operator and family-run concerns," he said.
"These businesses drive employment and job opportunities in regions like the South Coast.
"If we don't support these businesses at this time, they simply won't survive this challenging period.
"Loss of business and jobs will also add to the impact on the region's mental health which is been felt particularly harshly by local young people."
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
