Stats show 'a quick and sustained' recovery from COVID for Bathurst

Director of Environmental, Planning and Building Services, Neil Southorn, made the statement in a report on the Bathurst economy's recovery, which is on the agenda for Wednesday's council meeting.

The report said the recovery across the region has been "relatively strong", and pointed to several factors that made that possible.

"The range of Federal, State and Local Government stimulus measures, coupled with the diverse nature of the Bathurst economy and the limited number of COVID cases, enabled a quick and sustained economic recovery following the COVID restrictions," Mr Southorn said.

The report notes a "quick bounce back to pre-COVID levels" across a number of economic metrics.

The number of Bathurst people accessing Job Keeper and Job Seeker payments has remained below the NSW average, with only a slight rise in unemployment.

READ ALSO: Bathurst unemployment levels declining, Central West rates the lowest in NSW

Job Seekers in Bathurst per 1000 persons was initially in-line with the NSW average, but by May 2020 the number fell well below the average.

It has remained well below the average through to March this year, which is the latest data available.

Whilst the number of GST registered businesses fell in the June 2020 quarter, the bounce back was quick with GST registered businesses in the September quarter rising by 31 businesses.

Bathurst's growth in registrations has remained relatively stable, with an increase of 27 businesses recorded during the December 2020 quarter.

Retail spending also stabilised quickly after the initial blow of the lockdowns.

"It is important to note that retail spending in Bathurst stabilised quickly post the COVID lockdown, with most categories remaining in positive year on year territory since July 2020," Mr Southorn said.

"Part of this retail recovery has been driven by a recent rise in visitation to the Bathurst region. Whilst year on year visitor spend fell dramatically in April 2020, visitor spend in Bathurst has been rising since May 2020, reaching peak levels by December 2020."

The Bathurst Local Government Area also recorded 1.1 per cent increase in gross regional product (GRP), while many local economies experienced a decline or minimal growth.

Mr Southorn said the figure was slightly below the 10-year trend of 1.4 per cent, "but still strong given the COVID forced shutdown".

It was also revealed this month that the draft 2021-22 budget has a surplus, even after the COVID-related challenges.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: