Northern Beaches Council today welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement for support to small businesses impacted by the Christmas COVID emergency lockdown.

Local businesses may be eligible for cash grants of $3000 and $5000 to help with recovery and the Northern Beaches will be one of the first locations for the Dine & Discover voucher roll out.

Mayor Michael Regan commended local state MPs and the Small Business Commissioner for recognising the plight of local businesses forced to close down over the holiday period.

"I would like to thank the local business chambers and businesses that worked with me and Council to put together a comprehensive package of solutions to assist local businesses to lobby the State and Federal governments for immediate support," Mayor Regan said.

“Northern Beaches residents and businesses were outstanding in helping suppress the Avalon COVID outbreak through record testing and mass isolation along the whole peninsular.

“But that has come at a significant cost to our small businesses who were shutdown at what would have been their busiest time of year.

“Grants, coupled with the Dine and Discover vouchers and a marketing campaign, will definitely help our business on the road to recovery.

“Now what we all need to do is get out there! Shop local, dine local, and be a tourist in your own backyard – every little bit will help see our local businesses through this tough time.

“I want to especially thank the Small Business Commissioner, Chris Lamont, for coming to the Beaches to witness personally and listen first-hand how local businesses had been knocked by the enforced lockdown.”

Government measures will complement Council’s response, investing over $8 million since March last year in support of the local business community.

“We’ve put in place ongoing fee waivers, rental relief and rates subsidies, established a Business Support Service, and have been hosting ongoing workshops to build capacity in the digital environment.

“In addition, our draft action plan for recovery includes a substantial tourism revival package, working with the local tourism and hospitality industry through our Destination Management Plan which will set the future direction for tourism on the Northern Beaches.”

Cr Regan said Council is developing a destination marketing campaign and digital regional tourist campaigns, as a key action in its draft tourism strategy that is currently on public exhibition, and will complement NSW Government efforts.