- This week, relaxed restrictions will be in place for those fully vaccinated
- This includes home visitors and the opening of hospitality venues
- Property Council welcomed the announcement, but called for clearer pathways
With the New South Wales government recently announcing its roadmap of relaxed restrictions for the fully vaccinated, the NSW division of the Property Council of Australia (PCA) has cautiously welcomed the plan.
From Monday, as Australia’s largest state passes the 70% double vaccination target, certain gatherings will be allowed such as five visitors into a home where all adults are vaccinated.
Additionally, hospitality venues can also reopen subject to the one person per four square metre density along with various other restrictions, although masks will remain mandatory in indoor venues and public transport regardless of vaccination status.
Those who can work from home will be encouraged to remain doing so.
“This roadmap gives us the light at the end of the tunnel we all want and will enable our economy to start firing again, driving our state back to prosperity,” said Treasurer Dominic Perrottet.
Further freedoms will be announced once the state hits 80%, which possibly includes international travel, sporting and major events.
Luke Achterstraat, NSW Property Council Executive Director, said with the high vaccination rate, he welcomed the announcement.
“However, further details will need to be determined including policy settings that prioritise economic recovery,” said Mr Achterstraat.
“We look forward to working with Government on advancing plans for the reactivation of our CBD and the re-opening of construction worksites. CBDs cannot be reactivated until workers are going back to offices to breathe life into our cities.”
Luke Achterstraat, NSW Property Council
He added that a collaborative process was needed to address reactivation, especially given office occupancy in Sydney is just 4%. A few months ago, $100 restaurant vouchers were offered to help stimulate activity in the CBD.
“Investment in attracting people back to the city and to public spaces is critical to ensuring Sydney and our other CBDs, the economic powerhouses of the state, are able to once again thrive,” he said.
“Activating open-air spaces across our cities is a way forward to bring back that confidence and to encourage the foot traffic back into those hard hit areas and providing entertainment in the spring air.”
Clearer path for construction
Mr Achterstraat concluded his remarks by stating that the construction industry needs to have a clearer path towards a full reopening.
“With worksite capacity capped at 50%, the ability for NSW to create jobs and homes currently has a handbrake applied to it.
“With much of the economic recovery from last year’s lockdown being underwritten by the property industry, it is critical that the industry is provided the right policy setting to underwrite the recovery as part of the roadmap announced today.”
