Monday, 24 January 2022
The South Australian Business Chamber Chief Executive Martin Haese applauds the impressive Reignite 2.0 support package released by the Adelaide City Council on behalf of the South Australian Business Chamber members in the CBD and the broader business community.
“This valued support includes free on-street parking, cash grants, lunch and dinner vouchers, support for local musicians and venues, plus an advertising campaign to promote city hotels and experiences to South Australians.
“This is the kick-start that businesses need to have hope that they will survive this difficult time. It is also the kick-start that we all need to get back into the city and take advantage of the incredible restaurant, retail, venue, fitness and entertainment sectors on our doorstep.”
Mr Haese however strongly encourages the Premier to ensure that as many public servants as possible return to their offices in the CBD without delay, as the corporate sector will then follow suit. With 25% of the public sector being encouraged to return from 27 January is a step forward, it is not enough.
The South Australian Business Chamber further calls upon the government to increase the one person per 4 square metre rule to one person per 2 square metres without delay. “We do not want to see a scenario where even when there is demand, business owners are still impacted by capacity constraints.” Mr Haese said.
The South Australian Business Chamber calls upon all South Aussies to support South Australian owned and operated businesses.
Mr Haese said “Buy local to save your local.”
Foodland Group CEO Franklin dos Santos said that supporting local is part of being South Australian.
“We’ve seen our shelves remain stocked because we shop local ourselves. We buy from our fellow South Australians to support the thousands of small businesses that make up our food supply chain.
“The Adelaide City Council has shown great leadership in supporting small business. We now need all employers to show the same leadership and get workers back into the city.”
