New task force formed to help save Manly’s economy following bushfires and pandemic
A new task force has been set up to help get Manly’s economy get back on track after it was found to be in the top 10 per cent worst hit postcodes in terms of financial impact in the country.
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A task force has been set up to save Manly’s economy after it suffered a double financial whammy following the bushfires and the pandemic.
Manly MP James Griffin, who is a driving force behind the concept, said the Manly Tourism and Economic Recovery Taskforce will lead the famous tourist hub through the economic downturn, saying it is an opportunity to “do things differently”.
It comes as the latest data reveals that Manly, as well as great swathes of the northern beaches, has been hard hit by the fallout from the pandemic.
The Taylor Fry COVID-19 Financial Impact Index found that Manly and surrounding suburbs are in the top 10 per cent of Australian postcodes most financially impacted by COVID-19.
“Over recent months our local tourism trade has been decimated, our hospitality workforce retrenched, and our professional and white-collar workers under significant financial pressure facing job insecurity,” Mr Griffin said.
Among the ideas to boost the area including pushing for a decision on the future of the former Sea Life Sanctuary aquarium site in Manly.
The group will also consider fast-tracking the upgrade of walking tracks at North Head to attract domestic tourists.
Mr Griffin said he is keen to push for Manly to be profiled in Destination NSW’s Now’s The Time to Love NSW tourism marketing program, encouraging people to stay local and spend local in Sydney and NSW.
He said other challenges will be reimagining the Manly events calendar for 2021 and beyond with the understanding that there will be limited international visitors.
Mr Griffin said the task force, made up of respected business leaders, hoteliers, the Manly Business Chamber, as well as philanthropists, will focus on harnessing the innovative spirit shown throughout the pandemic to build a stronger, more resilient Manly community.
He said the aim is to also include businesses in the surrounding suburbs of Seaforth, Balgowlah and Freshwater.
Mr Griffin said the first action of the task force will be to encourage local stakeholders to call on Manly’s local musicians and live music venues to register their interest to be involved in the NSW Government’s Great Southern Nights music event.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres commended the establishment of the task force as an important local initiative.
“Manly is a world class destination with tourism attractions and a vibrant night economy that support livelihoods and this task force will help draw people back to the area boosting the local economy,” Mr Ayres said.
The Manly Tourism and Economic Recovery Taskforce will be chaired by Mr Griffin and will meet as soon as possible after its membership has been established. It will operate for an initial six month period.
Musicians and venues can register their interest for the Great Southern Nights music event at greatsouthernnights.com.au.