The State government is releasing $2.8 billion to families, individuals and business operators across the region to help accelerate recovery following the three month lockdown.
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The Economic Recovery Strategy includes funding to stimulate economic activity, with a strong focus on rebuilding and supporting businesses, helping the hip pocket and boosting jobs.
Earlier this week premier, Dominic Perrottet announced the households with school-aged children across the State would receive $250 vouchers as a 'thank you' for their efforts as home educators during the pandemic.
The vouchers will be distributed next year.
"As life returns to normal the government is looking to encourage people to get out and support the many local businesses who did it tough throughout the lockdown," Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead said.
We were delighted when we heard about it, and we're looking forward to it.
- Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club general manager, Terry Green
"By helping families and businesses, this package ensures that our region can bounce back better than before."
The Economic Recovery Strategy includes:
- $500 million to restore consumer and business confidence, including the expansion of Dine & Discover and Stay & Rediscover accommodation vouchers;
- $250 million to support jobs and skills, including help for job seekers to retrain or upskill;
- $212.2 million to boost vital sectors, including additional funding for the performing arts sector, an Alfresco Restart Package, and support to bring our cities back to life;
- $200 million to boost regional NSW, including support for events, facilities and local infrastructure, and housing; and
- $75 million to boost communities across the state, including support for tourism, events, sport and recreation.
The strategy also assists those most impacted during lockdown including:
- $739.3 million in household and social support, including housing support for vulnerable Aboriginal communities, expansion of solar rebates, support measures for victims of domestic and family violence, and vouchers to parents who have facilitated home learning for their children;
- $495 million in education support to address learning gaps for children in need and to help schools adapt to future possible learning disruptions; and
- $130 million for a mental health recovery package to provide immediate access to help for anyone whose mental health has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club general manager, Terry Green welcomed the government's decision to extend the Dine & Discover initiative.
He said the project would be a positive for a raft of business across the Great Lakes and was grateful for its extension.
"We were delighted when we heard about it, and we're looking forward to it," Mr Green said.
Mr Green acknowledged the local vaccination rate was a positive, but said more people needed to get the jab to enable businesses to get back to full capacity.
Residents across the State will be provided with two additional Dine & Discover vouchers to spend on a meal and entertainment.
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