The Buy Local or Bye Local campaign has seen council named as a finalist in the Economic Development Australia Excellence Awards.

The campaign was a success for council. During the quarter it was in market, Wellington experienced 10.75 per cent growth in overall spend, a 5.14 per cent increase in resident spend, and a 27.79 per cent growth in visitor spend.

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Council has also been named as a finalist in conjunction with Ballina Byron Bay and Pelican Airlines because of the new route between Dubbo and Ballina Airport.

"Being named as a finalist in these two categories gives us confidence that when restrictions are finally eased, we are in a good position to support businesses and tourism for a safe, sustainable economic recovery, focussed on industry support and attraction," council's manager economic development Josie Howard said.

Ms Howard said the #buylocalorbyelocal campaign aimed to help businesses severely affected by the ongoing drought before facing unprecedented widespread economic and social impacts presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The success of offsetting the effects of compulsory closures, reduced discretionary spending, changing consumer habits including increased online purchasing and panic buying can be seen in Spendmapp data pertaining to consumer spending in Wellington," she said.

The Dubbo-Ballina flight route has also been successful. Three months after the launch of the service, the average load factor for both directions was sitting at 90 per cent.

Ms Howard said council was already looking at ways of increasing tourism when the local government area came out of lockdown.

The winner of the Economic Development Australia Excellence Awards will be announced on October 14 at a virtual event.

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