Eurobodalla Business Fire Response
Eurobodalla’s businesses have been facing a tough and uncertain time as a result of the bushfires and highway closures. The opening of the Princes Highway last night is a huge relief, not only for tourism operators relying on visitors, but for local businesses trying to get products in out of the shire.
We expect the Kings Highway to be open soon, as authorities work hard to make the road safe.
Council’s tourism team has a plan to support the tourism and business community through this, and we need your help, too.
What we’ll do
Eurobodalla Tourism will continue its social media program to attract visitors. Now the Princes Highway is open, we’ll boost our efforts to the Sydney, Wollongong and regional markets.
We are working with Destination NSW and our neighbours in other shires and Canberra to capitalise on any opportunities to tell visitors that Eurobodalla is ready to welcome them.
Discussions are underway to leverage ‘Love the Bay’, the new community pride campaign driven by Batemans Bay Business and Tourism Chamber and supported by John Holland and Council.
We are using Council’s communications platforms and media connections to ask the community to support local business and buy here in the Eurobodalla.
We’ll shortly distribute an emergency management fact sheet specifically for Eurobodalla’s tourism operators.
When the Kings Highway opens, we’ll be asking you to help us tell the lucrative visiting friends and relatives market that we’re ready to welcome them back.
What you can do
Now the Princes Highway is open, help us get the word out that summer in the Eurobodalla is going to be as wonderful as ever. Engage with our social media posts, increase your own marketing, and tell your family and friends that now is a great time to visit.
Accommodation and attraction providers: Please contact your bookings now, let them know the situation and urge them to keep their reservations. Be flexible with your cancellation policies where possible. The message should be – “Please don’t cancel without giving us a call first. Now more than ever, we look forward to welcoming you and we value your booking.” We know plenty of operators already taking this positive approach.
Use the Eurobodalla tourism businesses Facebook group to share ideas or ask for support https://www.facebook.com/
While this is a difficult and uncertain time, it’s in all our interests for potential visitors see a positive community ready to welcome them for the summer. This message is equally important for our own community as we support each other through this. If you would like to discuss issues that are troubling you, you’re very welcome to call our tourism team, or strike up a conversation on the tourism businesses Facebook page. The tourism team will be there to respond.
We are collating information re bushfire impacts on your businesses should we have the opportunity to request bushfire recovery assistance. The more evidence we can get the better, eg reduction in retail sales, stock shortages, downturn or cancellations of bookings, staffing challenges. Please email sarah.cooper@esc.nsw.gov.au to report impacts on your business.
We encourage you to contact our tourism and business development staff who are available if you have any questions, ideas or comments.
– Liz Rankin – 0400 652 613
– Sarah Cooper – 0458 459 863
– Leisa Tague – 0418 652 299
This is just the beginning. We’ll review the situation as things change and let you know about any revised plans and other ways we might be able to help each other.
Please share this newsletter with other businesses who might not be connected with us.
Regards, Sarah
Sarah Cooper
Business Development Manager
t 02 4474 1271 | m 0458 459 863
