The Hunter's peak business organisation has welcomed the NSW government's further revelation of the roadmap out of lockdown and has launched a campaign to celebrate the re-opening of businesses across the region.
The Berejiklian government announced on Monday that three tiers of re-opening would take place when the state reaches the double-vaccination milestones of 70 per cent - predicted to be October 11 - 80 per cent and December 1.
The first phase, as previously announced, includes the re-opening of hospitality, non-essential retail, gyms and services such as hairdressers with caps and social distancing requirements.
The government has delayed allowing people from Greater Sydney to travel to regional areas until the 80 per cent mark when restrictions ease further, expected to be a few weeks later, and unvaccinated people will be under lockdown conditions until December 1.
Business Hunter on Monday launched a campaign encouraging the business community and customers across the region to share their re-opening plans for what the peak body is calling Back to Business Day.
"The hashtag #backtobusinesshas been created and it would be fantastic to see businesses using this call to action in their social media posts from today, to share with us how they are going to celebrate on the day," CEO Bob Hawes said.
"Business owners can share what they've been missing most, how they will re-connect with their customers. This might be through opening week specials, in-store offers, or simply decorating their stores to build that welcome party atmosphere."
Mr Hawes many businesses in the Hunter were hurting and there remained challenges ahead - including how to navigate obligations under the public health orders as restrictions wound back.
"Business owners can't be expected to also act as security guards, so long as they have a COVID-safe plan and appropriate registration points in place at their entry, they can get on with the business of being in business," he said.
Mr Hawes said the announcement of the road map was "certainly a positive step", even though the 70 per cent milestone no longer meant visitors could come to the Hunter from Sydney.
"While it's a little disappointing, it's certainly understandable given the uneven double dose vaccination rates we've got across the regions, including in the Hunter," he said.
"We've had businesses expressing concern to us about that, even though they know they might be cutting their nose off to spite their face. They would rather stay safe and we've got to be sympathetic and supportive of that."
