The Sydney Business Chamber says today’s announcement of further easing of Covid restrictions on indoor dining and social gatherings, following 28 days of zero community transmission, along with removal of health orders to bring people back to workplaces, puts Sydney in the box seat to lead the nation’s economic recovery.
“NSW has led the country on border re-openings and Sydney now has the opportunity to capitalise on this along with today’s change to one person per two square metres in indoor venues, allowing locals and domestic tourists to enjoy our many fabulous restaurants, entertainment and cultural venues,” said Katherine O’Regan, Executive Director of the Sydney Business Chamber.
“As the powerhouse of the state’s economy, Sydney is set to regain its place as the music and cultural capital of Australia, thanks to recent reforms to the live music and venues laws, along with the new ‘Dine and Discover’ vouchers encouraging people back into the CBD for a meal or a show as our theatres, new and existing music venues open up.”
“These reforms and other measures will really help drive the night time economy, something Sydney is now in a better position to develop – from the CBD to the suburbs. This will be further assisted by Transport for NSW’s announcement of its extension of timetables for more and later night services over summer, ensuring people can get home after a night out more quickly and safely.”
“Sydney is also in a great position to lead the multi-billion dollar business conference and events industry recovery, with venues like ICC Sydney rewarded for its Covid safe plans, now able to host up to 1500 delegates at a conference or exhibition. Also, its Aware Super Theatre can seat up to 2,400 at a concert and the easing of other restrictions to public gatherings announced today, means Sydney really is open for business as well as for entertainment and cultural events.”
“Revitalisation of the CBD, the State’s economic engine room, is critical and this means getting people back into the city – not just for work – but to shop, dine and be entertained. Today’s announced repealing of the public health order requiring employers to allow employees to work from home, will assist in encouraging businesses to get staff back into city offices, whether on a flexible hours/hybrid model, to boost much-needed foot traffic.”
