Although Orange and the Central West aren't in any form of lockdown the ongoing COVID-19 crisis' impact on businesses in the region can't be underestimated, but the government's new support package is set to provide welcome relief.
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Both Business NSW and Orange 360 praised the state and federal government's new support scheme, which was announced less than 24 hours before the lockdown in greater Sydney was extended by two weeks on Wednesday.
The flow-on effect from the lockdown measures combined with regional restrictions have hit Orange and the Central West hard, with Business NSW reporting an estimated revenue decline of at least 40 per cent in some sectors.
Business NSW's member surveys revealed the tourism and hospitality industries to be the most heavily impacted, which Orange360 general manager Caddie Marshall said has been particularly true in the colour city.
"Accommodation providers I've spoken to are down to about a quarter of the occupancy they [would typically have], one restaurant I spoke to usually does about 150 covers a night and they're down to 20 or 30.
"Without that tourist market from the city businesses in Orange, and the region, will keep feeling the impact, but it's encouraging to not just see the support package but also see that will be applied state-wide.
"I will say, it's also encouraging to see politicians actively seeking feedback to make sure regional areas are included in the decisions they're making."
The support package is joint-funded by the state and national governments and includes grants and payroll tax deferrals for eligible businesses, based on annual turnover and demonstrated income reduction of 30 per cent or more.
Stood-down workers are also eligible for increased weekly payments, with $600 available for those who have lost 20 hours or more and $375 available for those who have lost between eight and 20 hours.
Provisions around leases are also included like no lockouts or forced evictions, with landlords who provide rent relief to be given land tax reduction incentives too.
With regional restrictions still unchanged, Ms Marshall also urged Orange residents to support local businesses as much as possible to help offset the impact.
"The fact is we can still go out, it is safe for us to do so we just need to follow the guidelines and advice from the government so we 100 per cent are encouraging everyone to support those local businesses," she said.
"That will help those businesses keep their casual staff employed and working. But, obviously, if you have friends or family from those areas under tougher restrictions, please, just tell them you'll see them in a few weeks.
"It's important to remember we bounced back from last year's lockdowns and restrictions, we'll bounce back again."
Business NSW western region manager Vicki Seccombe echoed those sentiments, saying the support package could well be the lifeline many businesses need to survive.
"It's great to see this package rolled out that will support the doors staying open and staff keeping their jobs," she said.
"The impact the restrictions has had on the mental health of business owners has been heartbreaking to see ... what is crucial now is for the support money to start flowing as quickly as possible."
Small business grants will open from July 19 while individual payments can be sought from Wednesday.
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