Businesses to benefit from easing of COVID-19 restrictions

The new 'one person per two sqm' rule coming into effect, albeit with some conditions, and Business NSW Regional Manager for Western NSW, Vicki Secombe, said that it was great for retailers to be given a chance to capitalise on Christmas spending.

"With Christmas shopping in full swing and no community transmissions in NSW for some time, we need to give retailers a break in the lead up to Christmas," she said.

"It goes without saying what a difficult year it has been, and here is an opportunity to provide them with some relief, so long as they operate in a COVID safe way.

"Our shopping centres are beginning to become packed again with just three weekends left before Christmas, so any help the NSW Government can give retailers must be done as a matter of urgency."

President of Orange Business Chamber, Jack Evans, said the easing of restrictions will bring a massive boost to businesses across the state, especially industries such as hospitality, tourism and events.

"The areas that will probably benefit most are hospitality and entertainment," he said.

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"It will also provide a flow on effect to providers such as catering, clothing and equipment hire, boosting the economy overall.

"I don't think we will see massive changes in the few weeks before Christmas but certainly from New Years on business will definitely improve."

Matt Wright, President of the Dubbo Chamber, agreed that the changes will make a big impact over time.

"I think businesses already have procedures in place and people have plans leading into Christmas, but afterwards we will see some big improvements," he said.

"Hospitality and events will benefit from the added flexibility and patronage allowed as will all the smaller sectors that work together with those industries.

"Even simple shopping trips for smaller stores who suffered under the old restrictions, will now be able to have more people in store which will help turn things around."

"Even with dancing and outdoor events limits easing, I think people are just glad to be able to get out and about."

Bathurst Business Chamber President, Catherine Fitzsimons, said that while the easing of restrictions will make a massive difference, there will be future issues to overcome.

"We've affirmed our agenda for next year and particularly in the current climate it needs to be focused on advocacy for Bathurst businesses," she said.

"We're calling on all businesses to talk to us between now and the end of the year about their issues and where they need help.

"We want to put together a short list of reform items or changes that we can take to council, for what needs improving so that Bathurst businesses can flourish."

For full details of the COVID-19 restriction changes, visit www.nsw.gov.au.

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