Many Western NSW businesses face severe disruption, with some at risk of permanent closure, as the indefinite shutdown of the Great Western Highway at Mt Victoria continues.
The state’s peak business body said businesses across the region are fed up and increasingly anxious about the ongoing impact of repeated closures through the Blue Mountains.
Business NSW Regional Director for Western NSW, Vicki Seccombe, said local businesses have reached breaking point.
“Western NSW businesses have endured decades of delays and closures through the Blue Mountains, and every time it happens the cost is enormous,” Ms Seccombe said. “It hurts financially, it wastes time, and it undermines confidence in the region.”
Ms Seccombe said the effects were already being felt on the ground.
“Businesses around Hartley are seeing little to no customer traffic, while some transport operators are diverting north or south to reach Sydney, adding hours of travel and significant extra costs,” she said.
She said the highway closure comes at a time when businesses are already under intense pressure.
“Our business community is dealing with rising insurance premiums, higher energy and wage costs, increasing fuel prices and now fuel shortages,” Ms Seccombe said.
“This disruption piles on more pressure at a time when many businesses are already operating on very thin margins.”
Ms Seccombe said governments must act decisively to prevent further long term damage to the regional economy.
“Western NSW needs a safer, more reliable road and rail corridor. Creating a better Great Western Highway is not optional. It is critical infrastructure that underpins jobs, supply chains and regional communities.”