20 March 2020

Councils are helping to ensure communities have access to enough food and other goods

Local government peak body Local Government NSW said councils were helping to ensure their communities had access to enough food and other goods in supermarkets and other retail outlets, despite suggestions to the contrary.

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Linda Scott said councils had already waived delivery times and taken a range of other proactive measures to ensure supermarket shelves could be restocked, despite misinformation that delivery curfews were causing a lack of supply.

“We urge the State Government to reassure people there is enough food and other goods available for everyone while we continue to work closely with retailers to ensure any further issues associated with delivery access outside of normal hours can be identified and addressed, as this situation evolves,” Cr Scott said.

“Local governments continue to work together, with State and Federal governments and others, to do all that is needed to protect the wellbeing, safety and livelihoods of our communities during these uncertain times.
 
“Our communities know very well that it’s their local councils who are best placed to deliver locally led solutions, including recovery efforts and economic stimulus – as demonstrated during bushfires, drought and floods.
 
“This must be reflected in future NSW Government stimulus packages in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
 
“Strong local government, supported by substantial funding and resources, is key to continued local employment and support for local businesses across NSW, as well as ongoing investment in public infrastructure and community services for the public good.

“But what works in the City of Sydney may not work in Cobar. If we’re to help drive local economic recovery for every corner of the state we need the NSW Government to support local  strategies to boost jobs and the resilience of every community across NSW. Councils can deliver this."

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