The Shadow Minister for Government Services, Bill Shorten, visited the NSW South Coast on Tuesday 21st January with Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips talking to residents and businesses about their experiences obtaining government support in the wake of the bushfires.
Gilmore Fiona Phillips said "There are so many people in our community courageously just getting on with the job. Bill Shorten MP and I spent the day yesterday listening to their stories. "
"We saw the great work to get Club Malua back up and running in temporary structures as soon possible. And we heard about the efforts to support the local Aboriginal community in Mogo following the sad loss of their Centre. We even got to check in on the Rhinos at Mogo Zoo!"
"There is no doubt that the community is rallying together. We are a resilient lot here on the South Coast. But the story I hear over and over is that we need more help. So I won’t stop until the government steps up to provide the support we need to get our community back on their feet."
"I would love to hear your story. If I can be of any help to you, your family or your business, please don’t hesitate to contact my office on 4423 1782 or email me at Fiona.Phillips.MP@aph.gov.au."
"I have received advice that the Business Connect Bus will be on the South Coast over the coming weeks to give advice and assistance to local small businesses."
"Business Connect is a free mobile advisory service which is available to small businesses and can provide advice on things like managing cash flow, planning the next steps, accessing financial support schemes and connecting to additional support.
"I am also seeking further advice from the NSW Minister for Agriculture about when local small businesses will be able to apply for the newly updated Disaster Relief Loans and I will provide an update on this as soon as possible. I remain disappointed that the eligibility criteria for the Disaster Recovery Grants has not been extended and I will continue to pursue this issue with the government.
The Business Connect Bus will be at the following locations in Eurobodalla:
North of the Innes Boast Shed, 1 Clyde Street, Batemans Bay on Thursday 6 February
Opposite Alfresco Coffee Roasters, 22B Church Street, Moruya on Friday 7 February
Outside The Mogo Lolly Shop, Princes Highway Mogo on Friday 7 February.
"You can find out the times and book an appointment at this link. I encourage any business looking for some help and advice to make an appointment." Ms Phillips said.
