Hawkesbury manufacturers and tourism operators urged to take part in Labor’s Taskforce hearings

Labor’s Pandemic Recovery Jobs and Industry Taskforce will be in the Hawkesbury on April 20, and Macquarie MP Susan Templeman is encouraging Hawkesbury manufacturers and tourism businesses to come and put their stories forward.

MP Susan Templeman views a range of goods Wild Hibiscus manufactures with owner operator Lee Etherington at the company’s McGraths Hill base earlier this year

The two days of hearings – the April 21 hearing will be spent in Katoomba and centred on tourism – will see Taskforce Deputy Chair Milton Dick take evidence from local manufacturing and tourism operators on what they believe will help their industries move forward.

“Covid has shown us just how vital it is to be making things locally, and the important role our local manufacturing industry plays,” Ms Templeman said.

“And the last 18 months has also shown us how vital a healthy tourism sector is. Both are key planks in our local economies of the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury.

“The pandemic was part of the triple whammy that has hit tourism operators, alongside bushfires and floods.

“Local manufacturers and tourism operators know the issues, and they know what governments need to be doing both now and into the future to help their sectors grow.

“Labor’s Pandemic Recovery Jobs and Industry Taskforce is gathering evidence from around the country, and our region has a lot of experience to share.

“I am encouraging business operators in both sectors to come along and present their views, which will help shape policy into the future.”

The Taskforce hearing on manufacturing will take place at Windsor’s Deerubbin Centre on April 20, with the tourism hearing at Katoomba RSL on April 21.

“I’d like to invite business owners in the manufacturing and tourism sectors to be part of this discussion about what the needs and opportunities are in the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains,” Ms Templeman said.

“You may wish to make a short presentation of up to five minutes, which can be informal or include materials you think the taskforce would find useful. Or you might prefer to be part of the group discussion that follows.

“Sound government policy helps industry thrive, and helping business means quality, long-term local jobs. Come along and have your say on how we can grow these sectors into the future.”

For more details about the Taskforce hearings, email susan.templeman.mp@aph.gov.au

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