Dominic Perrottet uses Merimbula airport works as backdrop for support of Libs Bega by-election candidate

The Premier was leading a group of his colleagues in support of the Liberal candidate Fiona Kotvojs' bid for the seat of Bega in the state by-election.

Accompanied by Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres, the previous member for Bega, Andrew Constance, executive director of Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) Dr Liz Mullins, Fiona Kotvojs and Bega Valley mayor Russell Fitzpatrick, Mr Perrottet spoke about the pandemic saying it was important to open up the state and encouraged everyone to get their booster shots.

"We need to continue our efforts," Mr Perrottet said and cautioned "i know the school year will have some bumps along the way".

Dr Mullins stressed the need for people to get the booster shot say that in the SNSWLHD the booster rate was only at 38 per cent.

"If you have had COVID, that immunity only lasts for beteen four and six weeks, and after that it starts to wane and you should get a booster. I know people who have been busy and put their booster off but this has to be a priority," Dr Mullins stressed.

Mr Ayres spoke about the importance of tourism to the local economy and said that the work at the airport would "make this part of NSW so much more accessible" because larger aircraft would be able to land.

Ms Kotvojs said the work at the airport would make a huge difference to tourism and businesses, making the area "a great place to relocate a business".

Mr Constance said close to $1bn had been spent in the seat of Bega on infrastructure but it still faced "a myriad of issues".