Small businesses feeling the pain of lockdown

Published on 01 September 2021

News last week of a minimum of a further two more weeks of lockdown was a blow to many small businesses in the Byron Shire Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, said.

“This lockdown is extremely hard on many of our small businesses who are doing everything they can to get through this and hoping the border situation with Queensland is resolved soon,” Mayor Lyon said.

In the most recent information from ID Profile there are more than 5,000 registered businesses in the Byron Shire, providing 15,826 jobs. 

The largest employer is the accommodation and food services sector which, in 2019/20 generated the equivalent of 1,488 full-time jobs.

“I know there are some supports in place from the NSW and Australian Governments but the stress that business owners are under at this time is incredible,” Mayor Lyon said.

“People I talk to are worried about an extension of the lockdown, the impact of any long or restrictive border closures with Queensland and what the future looks like as well.

“I know that what we are experiencing here in the Northern Rivers is nothing compared to what people in Sydney are dealing with, but the pain, anguish and uncertainty are still there for many of our businesses, particularly tourism-based operations, hospitality and the retail sector.

“It would be great for everyone to go out of their way to support our small businesses that are the backbone of our community and shop local with many offering online options,” Mayor Lyon said.

COVID-19 information for businesses and employees is on the Service NSW website or people can call Lisa Richards, Council’s Business Enterprise Officer, on 02 6626 7172.

A webinar with information on business support packages available from the NSW Government will be held on 8 September 2021.

Information on how to register and join the webinar is on Council’s website.

For media enquiries contact Annie Lewis, Media and Communications Coordinator, on 02 6626 7320.