Dubbo and the wider region needs to start making progress towards reopening businesses, says Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On Friday, the Dubbo local government area had no active cases of coronavirus as the last of the people with COVID-19 recovered.
The daily number of confirmed cases is also dropping across NSW since the public health order was enforced.
More than a month after COVID-19 was first detected in the Western NSW Local Health District, there are now only three active cases left - two in the Mid-Western local government area and one in the Orange LGA.
"I think there are ways that regional areas like the Dubbo region could help lead the recovery," Mr Saunders said.
"I have spoken to the Deputy Premier about how that might look and he is quite supportive of regions being the ones that take steps initially. That doesn't mean we throw our hands in the air and say it's all done, but it does show if things are managed well, we should be able to maintain a reasonable level."
ALSO MAKING NEWS:
The Dubbo MP said discussions around how it could work were ongoing, but any changes would have to be based on health advice. Mr Saunders said some restrictions would also be needed, including people travelling from outside areas.
If that were to happen, Mr Saunders has acknowledged it could have repercussions.
"There would be expectations that if we change things cases of COVID-19 will increase. I think that is a given," he said.
"But we're at a stage now with the setting up of hospitals, and setting up of the new fever clinics thanks to some help from the Federal government, that that can be managed.
"I think we will still need to maintain distancing, and there will still need to be a real focus on handwashing and sanitising, but if we can work out a way that regions can lead this recovery I am all for it."
