NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced the roadmap out of lockdown for New South Wales, with mid-October slated for reopening.
Pubs, restaurants and gyms will reopen for vaccinated customers, providing a much-needed economic boost, and for mortgage brokers, there was welcome news regarding housing.
Travel will be allowed within NSW, allowing for house inspections outside of Sydney without a permit for vaccinated individuals. No details have yet been announced on in-person auctions in Sydney.
Offices will remain work from home, with masks still required when interacting face-to-face with customers.
The big news is for commercial brokers, who will see their SME clients able to reopen in the very near future.
“This roadmap is what the business community has been crying out for and I thank the NSW Government for providing the path forward,” said Business NSW Chief Executive Daniel Hunter.
“Although we have all been through a very tough time, NSW is now leading the way in vaccinations, learning to live with Covid and reopening for business.”
“Some certainty for businesses will be a massive boost. Businesses can start planning their re-opening right now, they can order stock, engage staff and re-engage with their loyal customers.”
“It’s been incredibly difficult for businesses during this Delta outbreak because the bills have kept coming in, without any revenue.”
“What’s really important is that the community supports their local businesses in huge numbers from mid - October but plays their part and adheres to the Covid Safe rules in place.”
“I know business owners will also need to be vigilant in ensuring staff and customers play by the rules to ensure COVID Safe measures are always adhered to.”
Tourism also reacted strongly, with NSW Tourism Industry Council Executive Manager Greg Binskin calling the news ‘a shot in the arm’ for Regional NSW in particular.
“As vaccination rates rise, the NSW Roadmap and reopening of some regional areas is a light at the end of the tunnel for many businesses in the visitor economy that have struggled without the flow of visitors,” he said.
“The news that restaurants, cafes, pubs, attractions, experiences and public events will be able to operate is a shot in the arm for those frontline businesses facing the consumers and those operating in the diverse supply chain of produce, goods and services that sustain them.”
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