The results of a survey of businesses after the two recent floods have been collated and the findings are not surprising.
Council received 62 responses to the survey with a wide range of business owners and operators across industry, accommodation and food services, manufacturing, retail, arts and recreation taking the time to share their experiences.
The main findings of the survey were:
- Some businesses were considering closing permanently or relocating.
- Some people were looking at shifting/pivoting their business to remain sustainable.
- Many cannot afford flood insurance to protect against future flood events.
- There is demand for new or renovated premises in the short-term while flood damage is being repaired/assessed.
- Government grants and assistance are useful.
“We are not surprised by these findings but they are important because they help Council build a case for Australian and NSW Government assistance for our businesses,” Lisa Richards, Business and Visitor Economy Officer, said.
“Immediately after the first flood staff walked the streets and visited more than 100 businesses that had been hardest hit and the information we received in the survey backed up what business owners and employees told staff immediately after the event.
“We are very appreciative that people took the time to fill out the survey because all the information we have builds a solid snapshot of the toll the floods have taken on our entire community, and that includes our local businesses.
“Many businesses were just getting back on their feet after COVID so the floods, and the weeks of wet weather that followed had a dreadful impact on everyone so fingers crossed that it’s smoother sailing from now on,” Ms Richards said.
The findings from the business survey are available on Council’s website.
