The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the easing of restrictions to allow a stronger return to office and vital reactivation of our CBDs.
NSW Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia Luke Achterstraat said the change to facemasks rules would encourage people back to work and into the office.
“The commercial building owners have invested heavily to ensure offices are clean and safe places for people to attend,” Mr Achterstraat said.
“Masks are recognised as a proxy for working from home. Today’s announcement is a strong signal from the Premier that the return to office is imminent and is an important part of supporting our CBDs to relaunch.”
Mr Achterstraat said COVID safe plans for workplaces included a focus on environmental factors that collectively with a commitment to safe practices would ensure workplaces are safe places for employees.
“We do our best work when we are together, when minds collaborate and ideas are able to flair and flow,” he said.
“Today’s data from the Property Council’s monthly office occupancy data shows that offices are occupied at a rate of just 4 per cent of pre-COVID occupancy in the Sydney CBD, down from a post-2020 lockdown peak of 68 per cent in May 2021.”
Mr Achterstraat also called on the Premier to set out his plans for leading the return to office through the return of the public sector, demonstrating leadership for the private sector to confidently do the same.
“With a number of public sector offices now located in Paramatta CBD, this will also have a strong impact on the vibrancy of the Paramatta CBD,” he said.
“We also welcome the ability to host events with up to 3000 attendees, potentially followed by a visit to open nightclubs as celebrations for in person socialisation continues.
“Today’s easing of restrictions is a reflection of the extraordinary effort the state of NSW has done on the basis of leading the nation’s vaccination rate.
“These changes are safe and measured and we look forward to witnessing the positive affects they will bring towards our economy and prosperity.”
