Reducing red tape is the goal of a NSW Government initiative which Cabonne Council has embraced. Cabonne Council have become part of the Easy to do Business program, which aims to make it easier to open and run businesses in the State.
Service NSW is creating a new way for businesses to interact with government through one online portal in a bid to provide step-by-step guidance and support across Federal, State and Local Government requirements. Benefits for councils include increased productivity with “decision ready” applications and reduced transaction costs and effective tools to boost local economies, help create jobs and assist councils to deliver on their strategic plans.
At the moment the program applies to cafes, small bars and restaurants, however there are plans to extend it to the housing and construction industry in the near future and other sectors of business as the program expands.
Cafes, small bars and restaurants are a good example of the red tape operators have to work through to establish a business. Opening these businesses can involve dealing with up to 13 agencies, 75 regulations and 48 forms.
Easy to do Business aims to reduce this to one digital application and one phone number. The program dovetails with Council’s recently adopted Regional Economic Development Strategy. This strategy builds on Cabonne’s assets and resources to attract growth and businesses to create increased employment opportunities.