City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer is calling on the State Government to extend its support for businesses in the Sydney CBD to those in Parramatta, as businesses feel the heat from a second lockdown.
Recently the State Government announced a $50 million ‘Thank God It’s Friday’ scheme to encourage people back to the Sydney CBD by providing 500,000 residents with four $25 vouchers for use towards dining and entertainment experiences.
Eligible businesses must be physically located within postcode 2000.
Cr Dwyer said it is wrong to exclude the thousands of businesses that make up Sydney’s second-city.
“It is only fair that our local businesses are afforded the same support, and NSW residents are given the same incentive, to inject some much-needed cash in one of Australia’s fastest growing regions,” he said.
“Western Sydney and Parramatta deserve a fair go.”
Cr Dwyer said construction of the new Parramatta Light Rail had also affected many businesses in the Parramatta CBD, without recompense from the State Government.
“Projects such as the Parramatta Light Rail, Powerhouse Parramatta and Metro West are going to be game-changers for our growing city once they are complete, but until then we need to make sure our local economy not only survives but thrives,” he said.
“I call on the NSW Premier and Treasurer to expand the latest $100 voucher program to the Parramatta CBD and show that they care about Sydney’s west.”
Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello told Parra News the government will shortly announce a new stimulus program to help businesses impacted by the current stay at home orders.
“We know that businesses throughout the state have been impacted by the pandemic, which is why the government rolled out its $500 million Dine & Discover NSW program,” he said.
“The program has been a double win for Parramatta – providing businesses with much needed support and hip pocket relief to households.”
A total of 156,980 Dine & Discover vouchers have been used in the Parramatta LGA to date.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.