With the advent of another lockdown during the peak winter tourist season, Snowy Monaro Regional Council is calling on all community members to throw their support behind our region's local businesses.
A large number of the region's businesses rely on the heavy influx of travellers and tourists every winter, and with the second year of COVID restrictions impacting this key period, it is crucial that the local community comes out in force to help the local business community make it through another tough year.
"Despite our small population and large geographic area, the Snowy Monaro is particularly well-serviced by a wonderfully diverse range of businesses and services," said Mayor Peter Beer, Snowy Monaro Regional Council.
"Our large and growing tourist numbers are a big reason we're lucky enough to have such a wide array of businesses here. But, after successive years of natural disaster and the enormous effects of the second year of this pandemic, the Snowy Monaro business community needs the community to step up and show their support."
Council has co-signed a letter to the NSW State Government along with other members of the Local Government NSW organisation, calling for the provision of urgent additional support for businesses.
While this lockdown is so far only short in duration, its impact will be felt for much longer. Early reporting in the immediate aftermath of the lockdown announcement showed some accommodation providers in Jindabyne had seen a drop in occupancy rate from 100% down to 30% almost overnight.
Local businesses are encouraged to seek support through the State Government's recently announced available grants, tax deferrals and extended economic stimulus initiatives. Full details can be found at https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/covid-19-help-small-businesses
Snowy Monaro Regional Council and Business Australia also operate the Snowy Monaro Business and Recovery Hub in Cooma, offering advice and support to businesses across the region. Call 0498 855 515 or drop into 57 Vale St, Cooma if you need some help.
