Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce COVID19 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.

As of March 26, 2020:

• The Federal Government has immediately lifted its restrictions on hairdressers and barbers, scrapping the rule that haircuts needed be less than 30 minutes.

• From midnight on Wednesday 25 March, these activities and businesses will no longer be allowed to continue:
  • Amusement parks and arcades
  • Indoor and outdoor play centres
  • Community and recreation centres, health clubs, fitness centres, yoga, barre, spin facilities, saunas, wellness centres
  • Public swimming pools
  • Galleries, museums, national institutions, historic sites, libraries, community centres
  • Auction houses
  • Real estate auctions and open house inspections
  • In-store beauty therapy, tanning, waxing, nail salons and tattoo parlours, spa and massage parlours (excluding allied-health-related services, like physiotherapy)
  • Food courts within shopping centres will only be able to sell takeaway. Shopping centres themselves will remain open
  • Hairdressers and barber shops can continue, but a customer must not be on the premises longer than 30 minutes
  • Personal training and boot camps are limited to a maximum of 10 people
  • Weddings can continue, but only with the couple, the celebrant, and witnesses totalling a maximum of five people
  • Funerals are limited to a maximum of 10 people
  • Outdoor and indoor food markets will be addressed by individual states and territories

• Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce has postponed all events and meetings that had been scheduled to occur prior to June 30. Chamber will now focus in coordinating and providing links and access to relevant information to the business community in the region. While most of our people will be working from home, the office will usually be manned Monday to Thursday 9am to 2pm. If you require urgent assistance outside these times call Mark Wilson on 0412 221 204.

• The 2020 Coastline Credit Union Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards Gala Dinner was scheduled for July 25, but will be postponed. We are investigating alternative dates and will advise when rescheduled.

RECENT NEWS AND ADVICE:

• The Federal Government has announced that certain businesses which attract crowds are closed as of noon Monday March 23. These include Pubs, Clubs, theatres, cinemas, indoor sporting venues and churches. Cafes and restaurants are able to operate on a take away basis only. Details from here: Federal Coronavirus information and support for business
• Gathering capacities in any other indoor situation must allow for a 4 square metre area surrounding each attendee. If your room is 4 metres by 10, therefore 40 square metres, it can hold 10 people maximum.
•  The Australian Banking Association has announced that all small businesses who are impacted by Coronavirus will be entitled to a six-month deferral on all business loans. Contact your lender for advice.
• Mandatory Self-isolation of returning overseas travellers continues.
• There are new measures in place for visiting elderly relatives in aged care.
• PMHC Council have closed any Customer facing office situations including libraries and the Glasshouse, but staff are still working. Please make contact via phone and email.

INFORMATION LINKS:

• PM Scott Morrison has also announced an increased  targeted stimulus package of $66Bn including significant relief for small business – for details go to: Federal Govt Business Assistance Link
• NSW State Govt – Payroll Tax waiver for 3 months & increase threshold to $1m as well as waiver of other small business fees. 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.