Hi folks, it’s fantastic to see that as of last week we no longer have any active cases of coronavirus in Barwon. This is thanks to your work adhering to the public health advice – I know it has been tough staying home not seeing your extended family and friends, but we’re all in this together.

Thought is now turning to how restrictions are rolled back in the safest possible way. We need to remain vigilant, maintain social distancing, wash our hands, and catch our coughs and sneezes. It’s important that we keep doing these things to keep the curve flat and keep as many people as we can virus free.

I know we are all looking forward to life returning to normal, but we need to tread cautiously.

I ask that as restrictions roll back, we keep sight of the positives that have come out of these restrictions – checking in on our elderly neighbours, calling people to reconnect and spending time with our families enjoying the simple things in life – I hope these new habits stick around.

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A number of people got in contact with me following the announcement that the NSW Government would be postponing the Local Government elections.

The elections were set to take place in September this year; the Minister for Local Government has announced they will take place in September 2021.

A number of you have expressed to me that five years is simply too long a time to have a Council not face the ratepayers through an election.

In light of this, I have written to the Minister for Local Government asking that if the health advice allows, the elections be brought forward.

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$10,000 Small Business COVID-19 Support Grant:

I’ve repeatedly raised concerns about the eligibility requirements for the $10,000 Small Business COVID-19 Support Grant and the fact it doesn’t take into consideration the impacts of drought.

The guidelines state to be eligible businesses must show a decline in turnover of 75% or more compared to the equivalent period in 2019. The drought was already biting hard then!

I’ve been assured by members of the Government that the impacts of drought can be taken in to consideration under one of the eligibility clauses: ‘where their turnover a year earlier was not representative of their usual or average turnover, the administrating agency will have discretion to consider additional information that the small business or non-profit organisation can provide to establish that they have been significantly affected’.

Given this, I’m encouraging all small businesses to apply, even if you don’t meet the 75% reduction criteria. If you run into issues, (including being knocked back) get in touch and my team and I will take up your case.

Apply online at www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-small-business-covid-19-support-grant

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Farmers still left out of support packages

Over the past month, we have seen numerous packages to support businesses and industries through coronavirus. Government must continue with the heavy lifting if our economy is going to come out of this with a fighting chance – however, they keep ignoring farmers and the agriculture sector.

Every community in Barwon knows that when the farmers are humming along, the whole town is.

Locals are employed, businesses are contracted, big orders are placed in town, and people have the spare cash to buy a meal at the pub or local café.

The Government continues to ignore the very real benefits that could be reaped if they invested in the agriculture sector.

Cash based assistance for farmers remains a priority for me – I am continuing my push because I can see the benefits for not just our towns but for the whole nation.

My team and I continue to work hard for you, the people of Barwon. If there’s something we can assist you with, please get in touch.

Roy Butler, Member for Barwon

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