Northern Beaches Council today welcomed the NSW Government’s initiative to roll out a support package to support small businesses hit by the latest COVID-19 lockdown.

The package includes grants of between $5,000 and $10,000 for small businesses, payroll tax deferrals for all employers, an extension of the Dine & Discover program to 31 August and vouchers can be used for takeaway food delivered directly to homes.

“It’s great that the NSW Government has listened to the chorus calling for support and acted quickly to offer a helping hand to businesses who will be affected by the latest lockdown,” Mayor Michael Regan said.

“As we learnt earlier in the year with the Christmas lockdown, a financial support initiative for local Northern Beaches businesses helped keep the doors of small businesses open and saved people’s jobs.

“Also like the earlier experience at Christmas and New Year, this latest health lockdown could not have come at the worst time.

“Many families’ plans for the winter school holiday fortnight have been dashed and leaving hospitality and tourism businesses hit hard by the loss of vital business yet again.

“This package will help small businesses doing it tough.

Mayor Regan said Council had also stepped up to support business during the pandemic and would consider an extension of these measures.

“Council has invested more than $2.7 million in business support since the onset of the pandemic through the waiving of fees and charges and helping build online capacity.

“And another $2.2 million for Council tenants and sports field and facilities licensees experiencing financial hardship as a result of the Government-mandated closures.

“We’ve established a Business Support phone service and implemented 5-minute parking pick-up zones to support take away businesses.

“I am sure our Councillors will consider extending support where we can to ensure our local economy weathers this disruption.”

Businesses will be able to apply for the grants through Service NSW from later in July.

Full criteria for small business support package will be available in coming days on the Service NSW website.