The Marshall Government is continuing to support businesses affected by major projects, today releasing a tender to create a register of independent Small Business Advisers.
The small business advisers will work with the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) to assist small businesses potentially impacted by major project construction.
This is an important plank of the Marshall Government's commitment to minimise impacts of major works on local businesses.
"The Marshall Government is continuing to roll out and implement its small business engagement policy for those businesses affected by major projects," said Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll.
"South Australian businesses can face significant challenges, through traffic restrictions and other disruptions that come along with major projects.
"The previous Labor Government completely dropped the ball on small business when it came to how they were affected by big projects.
"It's important that we keep building South Australia and the Marshall Government does not intend to take its foot off the accelerator when it comes to delivering major projects that reduce travel times, improve safety and build a stronger economy.
"However, we do need to better look after existing businesses affected by these works.
"That's why are implementing a number of measures to develop a 'business as usual' message around these projects.
"An independent Small Business Adviser may be engaged, with the intent to assist business owners to continue to trade during construction with as little disruption as practicable.
"The advisers will suggest strategies for business precincts within project footprints.
"These advisers will have extensive experience in business support frameworks and small business continuity strategies.
"We are also engaging with businesses early in projects to establish relationships, provide a primary point of contact and to obtain information specific to the business that will assist in mitigating disruption as much as practically possible.
"We've already seen some success with this new approach in recent major projects, including the City South Tramline Upgrade project and in the early stages of the Regency to Pym project."
