Our region’s business community is suffering from the effect of the lockdowns to the north that have not only kept visitors away during the usually busy school holiday period, but have also caused many locals to be confined to quarters.

The extension of the lockdown for another week has left many businesses reeling, despite assistance packages being available from the State Government to help compensate for JobKeeper no longer being available.

The Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, sees no reason for the Shellharbour or Wollongong Local Government Areas to continue to be locked down.

“Since the start of the June lockdowns, there has been no cases of community transmission in either Shellharbour or Wollongong Local Government Areas,” he said when the lockdown was extended.

“When decisions about Public Health Orders are made, not only should the reasons be explained but evidence should also be provided. Decisions without reasons is completely and totally unacceptable.

“It makes no sense to limit individual liberty, damage business and cause hardship for families when there is no overriding and greater public health reason for doing so.”

The Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward

Mr Ward has formally written to the NSW Premier and the NSW Health Minister to express these concerns, and started a petition so that local people can add their voice to his.

“Whilst there is still no other place in the world I’d rather be right now than Australia and particularly NSW, I won’t sit back and allow decisions to be made for our community without these serious and impactful decisions being properly explained and justified.

“If there is no proper explanation and justification, the decision should be reversed.”

Mr Ward noted that other local MPs are also appealing for the lockdown to be halted.

To sign the petition, go to www.garethwardmp.com.au/covid_lockdown_illawarra