Susan Templeman (Macquarie, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I welcome the New South Wales government's rollout of a $3.5 million support package for small businesses and councils across the Blue Mountains and Central West who were impacted by the closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass. Alongside Trish Doyle, the state member for the Blue Mountains, I've heard from Mount Victoria tourism and local businesses about the disruptions they've experienced since the closure of Mitchells Causeway, known as the Convict Bridge, due to serious cracking and safety concerns.

Those businesses know I'm in their corner, and so is the Albanese Labor government. The Prime Minister and Minister King have both said that they stand ready to respond as soon as New South Wales requests federal support. The New South Wales package, announced last week, includes $10,000 grants for eligible small businesses in Mount Victoria, Hartley, Little Hartley and Hartley Vale through the New South Wales Rural Assistance Authority—similar to what we fought for during the post-fire period. Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury councils are also receiving $15,000 for promotional activities and another $5,000 for community events. Also on offer, dedicated one-on-one specialist business advice plus business workshops coming up in June, including in Blackheath, Mount Victoria and Hartley. I look forward to seeing this support help our local businesses and help draw visitors to the beautiful region at the top of the mountains.