Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce

March 2021 Flood Assistance

Many businesses in Port Macquarie and the Hastings region have been severely affected by the rain event.  Fortunately many have not; and are reaching out to offer any assistance they can.  Chamber is able to provide links for these offers, and if you have a specific need or wish to offer your services, please contact Mark Wilson on 0412 221 204 or executive@portchamber.com.au

Office Space: Justine Sandry and the team at Four Core Solutions at Belah Road have a boardroom and some office space with internet available for those who need it. Contact Justine directly on  1300 077 034

COLOURWORKS  has announced it will donate $50,000 worth of office equipment to businesses in flood affected areas across New South Wales (NSW).

To access assistance visit our website colourworks.com.au, phone 1300 351 594 or email floodrelief@colourworks.com.au
Our team will follow up and we will assess your business requirements

CSU in conjunction with PMHC are offering space and facilities at the new Business Hub centre at the CSU campus at no cost to flood effected businesses. Please link through and contact the Hub directly here: https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Business/Business-Advice-and-Support/The-HUB-Business-and-Co-working-Centre

Sovereign Hills are offering free use of their co-lab business space at the Sovereign Hills Town Centre. Contact Meg or Frank on 02 5526 5416

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Community Flood Updates:

We strongly urge people to not travel on the roads where possible.  Roads may be cut off by water, and there is an increased risk of landslips. Avoid driving through water.

• Check the latest road closures and bridge closures
• Check the latest updates on disposing of flood damaged waste
• Check evacuation centre information on the SES website
• Check the latest rainfall and river conditions
• Check the latest updates on water and sewer services
• Report damage to roads, bridges, public infrastructure, land slips etc using our Report an Issue form.
• Report power outages to your energy provider. Visit Essential Energy website.
• For livestock assistance with refuge or food, contact Local Land Services on 1800 814 647.

For more information on waster services and evacuations and other services please check Council’s website here

SERVICE NSW have a disaster assistance website which can show you many options available depending on your circumstances. Have a look here: disasterassistance.service.nsw.gov.au/

For State Government disaster relief advice and assistance look here: https://www.emergency.nsw.gov.au/Pages/for-the-community/disaster-assistance/disaster-assistance.aspx

Federal Emergency financial assistance is now available for residents in the Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Nambucca and Port Macquarie-Hastings regions who have been severely affected by storms and floods.

Assistance is now available and we encourage anyone who has suffered the loss of a home or belongings or damage to a business premise to contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on

1800 018 444 and see if you are eligible.

Disaster assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Current COVID-19 updates

Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce has been supporting industry and businesses across the Port Macquarie region for over thirty years. Our vibrant and innovative municipality benefits from the strong advocacy and guidance of the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce in growing the economic and social capital of our community. As the longest serving network in the region, we have witnessed our home town evolve from a humble little fishing village into a vibrant cultural hub and world-class travel destination.

We are now in an unusual situation which we believe requires specific attention by all business nationally and in our region. This page will be updated regularly in an effort to provide links to relevant information as it becomes available.

• Current restrictions on businesses

COUNCIL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE PLANS:

RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES:

The NSW government has introduced measures to help landlords and residential tenants work together during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 6-month package is designed to support tenancies to continue wherever possible. You  will find further details HERE

COMMERCIAL TENANCIES:

• INFORMATION LINKS:
• NSW State Govt –  Find NSW Government business guidelines and assistance here: NSW Business and employee support
• Useful Federal Treasury department information for business: treasury.gov.au/coronavirus
• Business Australia (formerly NSW Business Chamber) has provided detailed advice on their web site for all business and their staff, go to their advice site: EMPLOYER’S GUIDE TO CORONAVIRUS
• Safework NSW advice and guidance for workplaces:   SAFEWORK NSW Guide and Advice
• Port Macquarie Hastings Council website: PMHC HOME
• Business.gov.au support line: 13 28 46

• Business.gov.au PDF advice sheets:
• Small or medium business with reduced cash flow?
  Here’s what we’re doing to boost your cash flow.
• Is your business financially distressed?
  This is what we’re doing to support you.
• Assisting the economic recovery
  Here’s how we’ll support you to grow.
• Employ an apprentice or trainee?
• This support is for you.
• Are you a sole trader that has lost business?
  This is what we’re doing to support you and your business.

• Chamber is recommending that local businesses:

• • Have the necessary plans in place to operate as normal as possible,
  • Keep up to date and informed with any new developments around COVID19 and amend plans accordingly,
  • Communicate with staff and customers to reassure them that you have appropriate plans in place,
  • Increase hygiene practices and awareness in the workplace,
  • Review and communicate your travel and sick policies with your team.
  • Encourage and even demand that any of your people self isolate at any indication of illness.
  • In a shopfront situation, Think about a concierge service at your front door to limit numbers at any given time.
  • Any business operator who needs assistance or guidance please contact us.

LOOK AFTER YOURSELF – IF YOU  OR ANYONE YOU KNOW NEEDS HELP:

Please support your community through these challenging times by buying local whenever possible.