MAKING IT EASIER TO DO BUSINESS IN HILLTOPS

​​Tuesday, 28 August 2018

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke today said businesspeople in the Hilltops region can now set up a café, restaurant or small bar in less than 90 days, with the local Council ‘going live’ with the NSW Government’s Easy to do Business program. 

Ms Cooke said the decision by Hilltops Council to join the program paves the way for the emergence of a new foodie industry and café culture in the local area, which can now be established in a red-tape free zone.

“Starting up a hospitality business used to mean completing up to 48 forms, talking to 13 government agencies, and waiting up to 18 months,” Ms Cooke said.

“With Easy to do Business, local entrepreneurs can now complete one online form, call one phone number and open a café, restaurant or small bar in 90 days or less.

“New cafés, restaurants and small bars create jobs, and foster a lively night time culture - I’m delighted Hilltops Council has gone live with this great program,” she said.

Hilltops Mayor Brian Ingram said he was passionate about growing and supporting the local economy.

“The aim of the partnership is to reduce the time it takes to assess applications and obtain approvals to open a new café, bar or restaurant ensuring the start-up process for these types of businesses is as easy as possible,” Mr Ingram said.

“New business means more local jobs and that is something that Council is dedicated to achieving. In the future we hope to see the program extended to housing and construction.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Small Business John Barilaro congratulated Hilltops Council for getting on board with the Easy to Do Business program.

“As a former small business owner, I know how important it is to do everything we can to make it easier for businesses to start up, operate and employ people and Easy to Do Business is a fantastic opportunity for local entrepreneurs,” he said.

Businesses wanting to start up a café, restaurant or small bar can apply at https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/easy-do-business or phone 13 77 88.