THE ongoing closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass is having a significant impact on communities throughout the Central West.
While everyone understands that safety must come first, and we acknowledge the hard work being undertaken to repair the damage and restore the route, the prolonged disruption is placing enormous pressure on local businesses, workers and residents.
Tourism operators are among the hardest hit.
Visitors who would normally travel through the region are cancelling trips, shortening stays or choosing alternative destinations altogether.
Cafes, motels, service stations, attractions and small retailers are all feeling the effects of reduced traffic and uncertainty about travel conditions.
For many businesses, especially family-owned enterprises, the winter tourism period is an important source of income.
The closure has created challenges that extend well beyond inconvenience. Lost bookings and reduced customer numbers can have lasting financial consequences for operators who are already dealing with rising costs.
We appreciate the efforts of Transport for NSW, emergency crews and contractors working to reopen the highway as quickly as possible.
However, there is a strong case for additional support measures for affected businesses.
Targeted assistance, promotional campaigns encouraging visitors to continue travelling to the Central West via available routes, and temporary financial relief would help many operators weather this difficult period.
The Central West remains open for business, and our communities are resilient.
With practical support and strong promotion, we can help ensure local businesses survive this disruption and continue contributing to the region’s economy long after Victoria Pass reopens.
Helen Jones
Molong