The show won’t go on - COVID-19 the latest blow for regional communities

The Government now more than ever needs to provide cash based assistance to struggling regional communities according to Member for Barwon Roy Butler.

Mr Butler has renewed his calls for cash based assistance for regional communities following the Government’s announcement banning gatherings of over 500 people in response to COVID-19.

“Our regional economies, especially agriculture dependant economies had a small ray of hope with some rain, and a season of local shows, race carnivals, festivals and themed events promising to bring some much needed turnover to small business in regional communities,” said Mr Butler.

“Our town economies were already greatly compromised by drought. This blow of lost revenue for our towns who are now unlikely to have gatherings of over 500 people makes the need for urgent cash based assistance to regional communities, farmers and small business all the more urgent.

“I understand the Government needed to make this call to help stop the spread and transmission of COVID-19. But the impact of the cancellation of events will be devastating for communities and businesses.”

The Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party have been calling for cash based assistance for regional communities since July last year as part of their drought assistance package.

“The Government has needed to intervene with cash based assistance over 18 months ago, any further delay, especially with this terrible news is a cruel act towards desperate communities and people.

“I acknowledge that the Government has moved to provide cash based assistance to low income people, but they need to move to broaden this approach immediately.”