The new multi-billion dollar health and economic stimulus package announced by the NSW Government in response to the COVID-19 outbreak will provide some welcome relief to Clarence and Richmond Valley residents and small businesses, according to Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis.

“It is been very tough locally first with drought, bushfires and floods and now this awful Chinese virus, but the NSW Government is on your side and is doing everything we can to help,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“On the health front, our hospitals will get a share of $700 million in immediate extra funding to strengthen our response to COVID-19, including increased ICU capacity, more testing and additional equipment like ventilators.”

Mr Gulaptis said another $500 million would keep schools, social housing and buses safer by hiring extra cleaners and bringing forward maintenance.

“There is also help for small business with breaks on payroll tax and the temporary abolition of a raft of fees that small businesses normally pay,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“This is particularly important for Clarence and Richmond Valley cafes, pubs clubs and restaurants who are currently obviously dealing with very difficult and uncertain trading conditions.”

“It is also vital we cut fees for tradies, because they too are facing a difficult immediate future,” Mr Gulaptis concluded.