Cumberland City Mayor Steve Christou has responded to comments made by NSW Finance and Small Business Minister, Damien Tudehope after he described Berala as a non “tourist destination” and announced that hardship grants would be handed out to small businesses in the Northern Beaches who were affected by the recent lockdown.
“It’s a shame that our State representative for small business is selective in who receives grant assistance. Clearly, Cumberland City is on the wrong side of the Harbour Bridge,” said Mayor Steve Christou.
“It’s true that Berala isn’t a beachside community that attracts backpackers or international tourists but it’s a community that was hit hard financially by the recent cluster and many businesses were forced to close during the Christmas period.
“We are people too. Grant assistance should not be determined by dollar status. That’s ironic, really.
“The fact that Cumberland City Council, went above and beyond to assist the State Government and NSW Health to reach Berala residents with important COVID messaging around mask-wearing and testing during the recent outbreak, makes Mr Tudehope’s comments particularly disappointing.
“Berala residents already experience chronic social economic disadvantage. These comments and grant exclusions are just not solution-driven.
“Our region deserves the same support to assist an economic recovery from COVID-19. Businesses are suffering out here and the community deserves an explanation as to why they didn’t receive their fair share of grant assistance.
“I will advocate on behalf of our businesses who must be included in the NSW Government COVID-19 Business Grants Assistance Package.”
