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COVID-SAFE PLANNING FOR TOURISM OPERATORS
As business activity across NSW continues to pick up, tourism operators are reminded to follow all NSW Government and health advice.
The NSW Government continues to publish updated advice in line with the current Public Health Orders to best inform businesses and individuals about their responsibilities - refer to NSW.gov.au for the latest updates.
Businesses can undertake a simple three-step process to declare themselves as “COVID Safe”:
- Complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan following the industry-specific or general checklist provided by the NSW Government
- Self-register as COVID Safe online (must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan)
- Publicise COVID Safe status through on site posters and digital badges for social media, website and Google Maps
Destination NSW has compiled industry-specific advice that is relevant to the tourism sector below, as at 19 June 2020.
Some restrictions will be eased from 1 July 2020 - Destination NSW has confirmed the following changes for tourism industry operators and will share more information as it becomes available. From 1 July, the capacity of many indoor venues will be guided by the one person per 4 square metre rule.
Cultural and sporting events at outdoor venues with a maximum capacity of 40,000 will be allowed up to 25 percent of their normal capacity. Events must be ticketed and seated and follow strict guidelines.
COVID-19 SAFETY PLANS BY INDUSTRY
Accommodation and hotels (including holiday homes and holiday rentals)
View the accommodation and hotels COVID-19 Safety Plan
- Accommodation services may be offered without restriction
- Operators must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan under Public Health Orders for specific in-house facilities including:
- Restaurants and cafes
- Swimming pools
- Gyms
- Beauty, nail, tanning and hairdressing salons
- Holiday homes and holiday rentals
- up to 20 people may stay in a holiday home or holiday rental - from 1 July no upper limit (but respecting the one person per 4 square metre rule)
- more than 20 people can stay in a holiday home or holiday rental if they are all members of the same household
Amusement centres and entertainment facilities (including theatres, cinemas and concert halls)
View the general COVID-19 Safety Plan
- Can reopen from 1 July. Must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan under the Public Health Orders
- Capacity must not exceed one customer per 4 square metres
Bars, pubs, clubs, cellar doors and micro-breweries
View the bars, pubs, clubs, cellar door and micro-brewery COVID-19 Safety Plan
- Must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan under the Public Health Orders that includes keeping a record of all people entering the premises
- Capacity must not exceed 50 customers or one customer per 4 square metres (excluding staff) per existing separate seated food or drink area, whichever is the lesser. Venues may have multiple existing seated areas - from 1 July no upper limit (but respecting 4sqm rule)
- Maximum of 20 people per booking (except for a gathering for, or following, a funeral or memorial service) - any update still to be determined
- Food and/or alcohol can only be consumed by seated customers
- Bowlers on the green are not counted in the total number of persons on the premises (there can be no more than 20 bowlers on the green at any one time)
Cafes and restaurants (including food courts)
View the cafes and restaurants COVID-19 Safety Plan
- Must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan under the Public Health Orders that includes keeping a record of all people entering the premises
- Capacity must not exceed 50 customers or one customer per 4 square metres in an existing seated dining area, whichever is the lesser - from 1 July no upper limit (but respecting 4sqm rule)
- Maximum of 20 people per individual group (except for a gathering for, or following, a funeral or memorial service) - any update still to be determined
- Food and/or alcohol can only be consumed by seated customers
Caravan parks and camping grounds
View the caravan parks and camping grounds COVID-19 Safety Plan
- Must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan under the Public Health Orders that includes keeping a record of all people entering the premises
- There is no limit to the number of customers that caravan parks or camping grounds can accommodate
- Communal areas where people gather must maintain capacity limits of one person per 4 square metres
- COVID-19 Safety Plans must be in place for swimming pools and restaurants and cafes
- Visitors staying at the grounds may have guests but the total number of people at each outdoor gathering should not exceed 20
- If you are visiting a national park camping ground you must book ahead
Commercial vessels (including tours, functions and parties)
View the commercial vessels COVID-19 Safety Plan
- Must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan under the Public Health Orders that includes keeping a record of all people boarding the vessel
- Commercial scuba diving and snorkelling, whale/dolphin/marine animal watching tours:
- capacity must not exceed 50 customers excluding crew - from 1 July no upper limit (but respecting 4sqm rule)
- All other commercial tours (including functions and parties):
- must not exceed 50 customers plus crew, or one customer per 4 square metres including crew, whichever is the lesser - from 1 July no upper limit (but respecting 4sqm rule)
Community centres and halls (including meeting and conference rooms)
View the community centres and halls COVID-19 Safety Plan
- Must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan under the Public Health Orders that includes keeping a record of all people entering the premises
- Capacity must not exceed one person per 4 square metres including staff members
- Classes or organised events must not have more than 20 participants, excluding the persons conducting or assisting in the conduct of the class or event - from 1 July no upper limit (but respecting 4sqm rule)
Galleries and museums
View the galleries and museums COVID-19 Safety Plan
- Must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan under the Public Health Orders that includes keeping a record of all people entering the premises
- Capacity must not exceed one person per 4 square metres including staff members
- Any indoor cinema, theatre or theatrette must remain closed
National parks and state forests
- National parks and state forests in NSW may open with no capacity limitations
- Visitors must practice physical distancing and remain at least 1.5m from any other person (not from the same household)
Markets
View the non-food markets COVID-19 Safety Plan
- Food markets are open without restrictions
- For non-food markets (including artisan, clothing and craft markets):
- Must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan under the Public Health Orders
- Capacity must not exceed one customer per 4 square metres
- Physical distancing and good hand hygiene should be followed at all times to keep everyone safe
Retail stores
- Capacity must not exceed one customer per 4 square metres
Sports, recreation and gyms
View the sports, recreation and gyms COVID-19 Safety Plan
- Recreational activities including fishing, hunting and use of skate parks and BMX bike tracks are allowed
- Golf is permitted where no more than 20 people are gathered - any update still to be determined
- Indoor recreation facilities such as squash courts, gyms, table tennis centres and
health studios can operate but must:
- Have a COVID-19 Safety Plan
- Classes or organised events can have 20 or less participants (excluding staff) - any update still to be determined
- Capacity must not exceed one person per 4 square metres
- Swimming pools can open but must:
- Have a COVID-19 Safety Plan
- Capacity must not exceed one person per 4 square metres
Tour operators (including bus and private tours)
View the transport and freight (including ride share) COVID-19 Safety Plan
- Tour operators (including bus tours) are permitted to carry out business but must limit public gatherings to 20 or less participants
- Operators must observe health advice including maintaining a physical distance of at least 1.5 metres from others
Weddings and funerals
View the weddings COVID-19 Safety Plan
View the funerals and memorials COVID-19 Safety Plan
- Weddings can proceed according to the following:
- Capacity must not exceed 20 guests (including adults and children) plus the couple, the people conducting or assisting in the conduct of the wedding, a photographer and videographer
- People attending will be required to provide their name and contact details so that they can be used for contact tracing
- The maximum number of people permitted for a funeral or memorial service, or gathering immediately after a service, is determined by one person per 4 square metres capacity guidelines
Zoos, reptile parks and aquariums
View the zoos, reptile parks and aquariums COVID-19 Safety Plan
- Must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan under the Public Health Orders that includes keeping a record of all people entering the premises
- Capacity must not exceed one person per 4 square metres. In calculating the area of the premises, animal enclosures must be excluded
- Tours should involve no more than 20 visitors per group - any update still to be determined
- Any indoor cinema on the premises must remain closed· .
All Other Industries COVID-19 Safety Plan
Any other operators who are not restricted from operating by current Public Health Orders should observe the general health advice regarding physical distancing and hygiene measures.
The general plan linked contains actions applicable to most workplaces, and will be a useful guide to getting back to business and keeping staff, workers, customers and visitors safe.
NEW EVENT BRINGS 1,000 GIGS TO NSW —
HUGE BOOST FOR TOURISM AND ARTISTS
A new music event will bring 1,000 COVID-safe gigs to Sydney and regional NSW in November, giving Australian artists a welcome boost and turbocharging live music venues across the state.
Great Southern Nights is a NSW Government initiative delivered by its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) to support the recovery of the live music, entertainment and hospitality industries.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the gigs would be a welcome antidote to the challenges presented by COVID-19, bushfires and the prolonged drought.
“This celebration of outstanding Australian artists and incredible live music venues across NSW gives us all something to look forward to, from event-goers to industry,” Minister Ayres said.
“We’ll be able to get out and see Sydney and regional NSW come to life with some of Australia’s top acts including Jimmy Barnes, Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins and Tones and I alongside emerging artists in unexpected places.”
Great Southern Nights will culminate with Australia’s premier music industry event, the ARIA Awards, in Sydney.
“Live music events bring visitors, culture and excitement to communities. This initiative will provide an invaluable boost for the artists, crew, venues and music community that make gigs happen,” ARIA chief executive officer Dan Rosen said.
All music events will be programmed in line with current Government health advice regarding physical distancing and venue capacity of public gatherings.
Venues and artists are invited to submit an expression of interest to be involved in Great Southern Nights. Read the full media release.
NEW RECOVERY GRANTS TO HELP SMALL BUSINESS REOPEN
Thousands of small businesses reopening across the State after the COVID-19 shutdown will benefit from funding of up to $3,000 under a new Small Business Recovery Grant.
Applications will open on 1 July to help businesses safely relaunch their operations with funds remaining from the $750 million Small Business Support Fund.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the new grants signalled a move from survival to revival.
“Applying for this new grant will be simple and easy, so businesses can focus on reopening safely and welcoming back customers,” Mr Dominello said.
The $10,000 Small Business Support Grant closes on 30 June - more than 49,700 businesses have applied for the grants.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the new grants would help businesses turn their lights on, open their doors and welcome back customers and clients.
“The grants can be used to cover marketing and advertising expenses, make fit-out changes and train staff in how to work safely under the current health conditions,” Mr Tudehope said.
“Small business owners can also get advice from Business Connect advisors to help them innovate, pivot or take advantage of opportunities in the market.
More information will be made available on the Service NSW website closer to the launch.
SYDNEY NIGHTLIFE BOOST POST COVID-19
Sydney’s nightlife will be re-energised post COVID-19, with the NSW Government lifting the long-standing freeze on new liquor licences in the CBD and relaxing restrictions on late trading.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the trading restrictions for existing venues ended on 1 June, while the NSW Government works with stakeholders on a framework for approving new licences.
“These changes will kick-start a new era in Sydney’s 24-hour economy, giving new venues a start, and allowing existing pubs, clubs, hotels and bottle shops a chance to adjust their offerings to meet changing customer demand,” Mr Dominello said.
“In some CBD locations, this will be the first time in 11 years that applications for new venues will be considered.”
The licence freeze was put in place as part of measures targeting alcohol-related harm in areas with high concentrations of liquor businesses. It has prevented the granting of new licences for hotels, nightclubs, registered clubs and packaged liquor outlets across the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross precincts. The freeze has also restricted existing licensees from extending late night trading hours and, in most instances, from changing their licensed boundaries and patron capacity.
The NSW Government is preparing interim guidelines for existing businesses which will detail eligible locations for applications as well as criteria for easing trading restrictions from 1 June.
The public are invited to provide feedback on the changes.
FRESH FACE FOR THE SYDNEY FISH MARKET GETS THE FINAL GO-AHEAD
The much-awaited revitalisation of Blackwattle Bay is one step closer, with the NSW Government approving the final plans for the new Sydney Fish Market this week.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said construction on site would create 700 construction jobs and more than 700 ongoing jobs once the new markets open in 2024.
“Building infrastructure will be key to our economic recovery out of this pandemic,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Not only will the new Sydney Fish Market continue to be the beating heart of our State’s seafood industry, it will also continue to lead the way as one of Australia’s leading tourist destinations.”
The new building will include a variety of fishmongers, restaurants, cafés, bars, and specialty food retailers in a four-storey market hall setting, as well as new public promenades and a ferry wharf. Early works for the Sydney Fish Markets are expected to commence within the next eight weeks.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism, and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres said visitor numbers to the market are expected to double over the next 10 years, from three million to six million each year. Read the full media release.
WESTERN SYDNEY MUSICIANS IN THE SPOTLIGHT ON GLOBAL MAKE MUSIC DAY
Western Sydney artists and venues will be elevated to the world stage on international Make Music Day this Sunday 21 June thanks to local celebrations hosted by City of Paramatta and Sydney Olympic Park.
The free event, which runs from 12pm to 6pm, will be live-streamed from a number of well-known venues including Qudos Bank Arena, the Olympic Cauldron at Sydney Olympic Park, Old Government House, Riverside Theatres, and Western Sydney University.
“It’s fantastic to see some of our local artists take the stage at a number of iconic Western Sydney locations and share their passion and talents with audiences near and far,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said.
“The audiences may not be able to attend in person, but I have no doubt they’ll be rocking out in their living rooms and enjoying the show.”
The line-up includes R&B and future soul singer-songwriter Ngaiire; soul and R&B singer Clarissa Mei; hip-hop artists L Fresh the Lion, Raj Mahal, and Nardean; and pop-fusion performer Stevan.
The Make Music Day events in Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park are supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW. See the full program and tune in to the event or follow on the At Parramatta Facebook page.
QANTAS AND JETSTAR LAUNCH TOURISM RECOVERY SALES
Qantas and Jetstar have announced discounted fares on 200,000 seats and points offers for frequent flyers, to reboot the domestic tourism industry and help families and friends reunite.
Jetstar is launching a sale on 35 routes, across 15 destinations including New South Wales.
There are 10,000 fares for $19 one-way on 22 routes including Melbourne to Sydney and many others. Fares are on sale on jetstar.com from today and run until 23:59 (AEST) 22 June 2020 unless sold out prior.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said in the past fortnight almost 400,000 seats have been sold on Qantas and Jetstar’s domestic networks.
“There is huge pent up demand for air travel, with people wanting to get away after months of being stuck at home. Our research tells us more than 75 per cent of Australians intend to fly in the next six months,” Mr Joyce said.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT CAPACITY TO DOUBLE
More customers will be welcomed back to the public transport network with an increase in the number of people now allowed on our trains, buses, ferries and trams from July 1, consistent with NSW Health advice.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said health experts had advised that capacity on all modes of transport can now be increased in a COVID safe way.
“Passengers still need to leave a space or an empty seat between themselves and other customers and continue to find green dots for the safest places to sit and stand. No green dot, no spot,” Ms Berejiklian said.
A Waratah train will now be able to carry 68 customers per carriage, up from 32, a typical two-door bus will be able to carry 23 customers, up from 12 and a Freshwater ferry will be able to carry 450 customers, up from 245.
This also applies to regional transport: the regional NSW TrainLink rail fleet will allow for 34 customers per carriage, up from 16, while coaches will allow for 22 customers, up from 12.
TOLL REBATE MAKES FOR HAPPY CAMPERS
Drivers towing caravans, boats and horse floats will be eligible for cheaper tolls on Sydney motorways with a new rebate scheme announced this week.
Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said the scheme will work by providing a rebate on the larger recreational vehicle tolls to bring the cost in line with regular cars.
The scheme will apply to most of Sydney’s toll roads and motorways including NorthConnex and the WestConnnex. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour Tunnel will be exempt because they do not charge cars towing caravans, boats or horse floats as larger vehicles.
“Regional and domestic holidays are going to play a pivotal part in the recovery of our economy. This great new initiative will reduce the cost for these drivers by an average of $14 per toll road,” Mr Constance said.
The scheme will be backdated to 1 June 2020, using the existing Transport for NSW Cashback system.
