Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for disaster recovery John Barilaro said the initiative will help businesses and communities in flood-affected areas financially recover more quickly by giving them access to government work as they get back up and running.
“The floods have had a devastating effect on many residents and businesses,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Small and medium businesses are a significant contributor to local economies and they employ a large proportion of the workforce. This decision to prioritise them for the rebuild and remediation work is similar to an initiative we successfully introduced after the 2019/20 bushfires and will go a long way to putting cash back in local economies.”
The new directive from Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope is for procurements relating to the repair and remediation of government owned sites arising out of the floods.
Mr Tudehope said the initiative would provide local businesses with local opportunities as NSW starts the process to repair and rebuild.
“Local businesses know their communities best. We saw how communities banded together in the crisis, so it’s only right they be given the opportunity to win NSW Government contracts related to rebuild and repairs,” Mr Tudehope said.
“A local business can help repair damaged buildings and roads for example, and this will create valuable employment opportunities for local people. This initiative emphasises the importance of SMEs to the government.”
“The NSW Government is leading by example and encourages insurance companies and private sector businesses impacted by the floods to first consider engaging local SMEs for their repairs and rebuilding works.”
