The Bermagui Fishermen’s Co-Operative will benefit from a NSW government plan to extend their rent relief arrangements with a 50 per cent waiver available until 2020.
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The NSW Small Business Commissioner had reviewed fishing co-operatives on Crown land and recommended the continued rent exemption.
Member for Bega Andrew Constance said the program would mean the small business could reinvest its savings into business boosting activities.
“Our local co-op plays an important role in tourism as well as providing fresh fish to the local community,” he said.
“This initiative means they have the opportunity to back themselves for the future.”
Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair said the rent relief would help co-ops continue to adjust to changes in commercial fishing.
“This is a time of significant change for the industry,” he said.
“We realise co-ops will need to adjust their business models and their daily operations, so rent relief is one way we can give them some space to do that.”
He also said the $30,000 Rural Assistance Authority grant has been extended to help co-ops obtain independent specialist advice until September 30, 2018.