Northern beaches COVID-19: Financial support package being prepared
The State Government is preparing to roll out a financial support package for Peninsula businesses soon. It comes as the council meets to discuss new support measures.
Manly
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The NSW Government is preparing to roll out a financial support package for northern beaches businesses hit by the Christmas COVID lockdown.
On Saturday, Pittwater MP Rob Stokes and Manly MP James Griffin held forums with Manly Business Chamber and local business owners to gauge what support they required.
“The premier has already indicated there will be a support package,” Mr Stokes said.
“Businesses want to open up, but the cash flow is their biggest concern. The package needs to be rolled out as soon as possible.”
He said NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet had hinted at a timeline for the package.
“He did mention something about Australia Day, it would be very encouraging. It would be so wonderful if we could get something so at least some businesses could make what’s left of summer.”
Manly MP James Griffin said among the issues raised at the forums were rent, fixed costs and difficulties with retaining staff.
He added: “There was also a huge question mark over winter when the foot traffic really drops off... three weeks in lockdown may not sound like a lot but it’s worth three months in revenue because it’s a busy time.”
Meanwhile an emergency meeting will be held by Northern Beaches Council on Tuesday to discuss potential measures to assist local businesses.
Councillors Rory Amon, Pat Daley, Stuart Sprott, Vincent De Luca and David Walton have put forward a proposal to cut council salaries, waive all parking fees, waive outdoor dining fees and expand outdoor dining areas.
Cr Daley said: “We shouldn’t simply be calling on the State and Federal Governments. The council also has to get fully involved, we’re all in this together.”
But Mayor Michael Regan described the councillors’ requests as a political stunt.
“The business community don’t need parking fees waived as that just encourages people to park at the beach all day and bring a picnic,” Cr Regan said.
“Over 5,500 locals supported our petition to seek immediate Federal and State Government financial support for local business. The businesses need cash to survive and for the lockdown restrictions to be lifted. It is pretty simple.”
“I think people of the northern beaches would expect all levels to put in and support the business community in anyway that they can,” Mr Griffin MP said in response.
Paul Peterkin, owner of Church Point venue Pasadena, said the lockdown had taken a huge toll on his business.
“Personally, we have no income coming off that building. We were booked out and had to make cancellations and refunds. Our guests don’t just spend money at our venue, they like to enjoy the whole area so it’s the community losing too,” he said.
“I think the council could do more. They should try and communicate with local businesses and understand what the council can do to help.”
But owner of Freshwater shop MK Skin and Beauty Marissa Floyd said she didn’t think the measures would help.
“It was a massive kick in the guts to be closed in what would have been the busiest week of the year for beauty salons,” she said.
“I’m unsure how the councillors think that any of those options are going to help me.”
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