Northern Beaches Council is calling on local businesses to submit ideas on how Council can work with them to support their recovery once restrictions ease.
Mayor Michael Regan said Council welcomed all ideas, big or small, which will help businesses come out of this incredibly challenging time.
“We know the terrible impact this lockdown is having on so many local businesses and we want to do all we can to support them in recovery.
“Over the last 18 months we created some flexibility in planning rules, introduced 10-minute parking outside cafes for pick up, waived fees, reduced rents and hosted a range of professional webinars to build resilience and online capacity.
“In fact, we have invested more than $8 million to support our local business community since the start of the pandemic but we know there is more we can do.
“For example, can we repurpose streets and public spaces when businesses have capacity restraints to support hairdressers, gyms, restaurants or other businesses? Or introduce weekend road closures to attract more foot traffic? Or cut red tape anywhere?
“We’d love to hear from a range of different businesses the things that we can do that will make a difference.
“The Premier is flagging that with current vaccination rates, restrictions will slowly ease around October so it’s important we plan now and don’t miss any opportunity.”
Businesses can submit ideas to the Back to Business program here.
They can also continue to get ongoing advice and support by booking an appointment with Council’s dedicated Business Support Service.
Media release provided by Northern Beaches Council, 9th September 2021