Business revenue in Western NSW is down 40 per cent in some sectors since restrictions came into effect two and a half weeks ago.
The figure was released following the COVID-19 relief package announced by the federal and state governments this week.
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"The Western NSW community is not in lockdown, but the impact to our business community has been strongly felt through cancellations, reduced capacities, income loss and a lack of forward bookings," Business NSW Regional manager Vicki Seccombe said.
"We have been surveying our members throughout Western NSW, and initial high-level results suggest business revenue is down by at least 40 per cent in some sectors."
Tourism and hospitality are the two biggest hit industries.
"It amazes me the impact felt here, considering we're not even in a hotspot, or anywhere near one," Local Coffee owner Karen Payne said.
"Before this lockdown, we had lifted to a 15 - 20 per cent reduction from pre-Covid levels. That dropped to 36 per cent in the first couple of days. We have lifted again but it goes to show the working from home impact is massive."
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It's a similar story at Short St Store Cafe.
Manager Tayla Hallinan said, "We've lost half our trade. I think a lot of local people must be too nervous to come out, lunch time for us has dropped off a lot, people might come and get takeaway but aren't staying."
Both could benefit from the NSW business support package, which includes:
- Between $1500 - $10,000 per week for businesses with annual turnover of between $75,000 and $50M which can demonstrate a 30 per cent reduction in this turnover during the lockdown period.
- $1500 fortnightly grants for micro businesses with annual turnover between $30,000 and $75,000 which can demonstrate a 30 per cent reduction in turnover where the business is the primary source of income.
- A payroll tax deferral for all businesses this quarter, and a waiver if you can demonstrate 30 per cent reduction in turnover, and have a payroll between $1.2M and $10M.
Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders welcomed the package.
"I'm pleased the new arrangements have been expanded statewide, because there are businesses all over regional NSW, particularly in the tourism sector, that have shut down temporarily due to a reduction in visitors," he said.
More information on the business grants is expected to be available on the Services NSW website this week.
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Emily Wheeler
I have been a journalist for 15 years, covering regional and rural issues, as well as metropolitan news in Sydney. I began my career at the Daily Liberal newspaper in 2006 where I completed a cadetship before moving to several other areas to broaden my skills. Most recently I was Chief of Staff at 9 News Sydney for 7 years. I moved back to my hometown of Dubbo in 2020, and have enjoyed getting back to my country NSW roots and covering the issues that are important to regional and rural NSW.
I have been a journalist for 15 years, covering regional and rural issues, as well as metropolitan news in Sydney. I began my career at the Daily Liberal newspaper in 2006 where I completed a cadetship before moving to several other areas to broaden my skills. Most recently I was Chief of Staff at 9 News Sydney for 7 years. I moved back to my hometown of Dubbo in 2020, and have enjoyed getting back to my country NSW roots and covering the issues that are important to regional and rural NSW.
