Mayor advocates for local businesses impacted by bush fires

Published on 30 January 2020

Image of Council representatives at the Community Roundtable in Canberra

Cessnock City Mayor, Councillor Bob Pynsent attended a Community Rebuilding Roundtable at Parliament House in Canberra yesterday to advocate for local businesses impacted by bush fires.  

The focus of the roundtable was to come up with solutions for assisting businesses who have been significantly impacted by the bush fires across Australia.  

The Federal Government has announced funding to assist in the recovery and Mayor, Cr Pynsent wants to ensure the Cessnock Local Government Area gets its fair share of funding on offer.  

“It’s a priority the voices of our local people are heard loud and clear in Canberra. Through engaging with our business community Council lodged a submission in relation to the allocation of Federal Government funding, outlining a way forward that will have real outcomes for our local businesses.”  

“We have listened and understood the concerns of our businesses. Our tourism operators suffered immensely in what is usually an extremely busy time. It not only impacted business owners but their staff.”  

Council’s submission for the allocation of Federal Government funds includes a buy local ‘open for business’ marketing campaign and funding to be allocated to Destination NSW to coordinate a regional and international marketing campaigns.  

It also includes a proposal for providing a local tourism stimulus package, funding for local events to stimulate visitation and more investment in soft infrastructure to support regional and inter-regional bookings.  

These are just some of the seven directions Council is proposing to the Federal Government to assist not only our local businesses but every local business across Australia.