After many months as a no-go zone, the NSW South Coast will once again be able to welcome tourists back to the area from 1 June 2020.

This is welcome news for many local businesses and tourism operators who have struggled with the double hit of the bushfires and coronavirus.

However, Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP has cautioned that tourists and locals need to continue exercising caution to avoid a rise in local infections.

“I am delighted that many of our local businesses and tourism operators will be able to open their doors to customers again with the regional travel restrictions set to be lifted on the first of June,” Fiona Phillips said.

“I have heard so many heartbreaking stories of the impact this year has had on local businesses. We love our visitors and it has been so hard to turn them away not once but twice, so it is great to finally see the light at the end of the tunnel,”

“Our community is still so vulnerable after the bushfires and what we don’t want to see is a spike in infections. So I encourage everyone to stay safe, wash your hands regularly and keep observing the social distancing guidelines at all times,” she said.

The Gilmore MP has said more help will be needed in the weeks and months ahead to ensure the South Coast can get back on its feet.

“The Morrison Government has made so many promises to our bushfire impacted communities, but the reality is the money just isn’t getting through,” Mrs Phillips said.

“Our tourism operators, small businesses, farmers and families are all still struggling with the challenges this year has brought, and I will keep fighting to make sure local people get the help they deserve,” she said.