BUSINESS owners suffering from a lack of trade due to COVID-19 hardships over recent months can expect to see an increase in trade with the introduction of a voucher system.
The District Council of Loxton Waikerie (DCLW) developed its COVID-19 stimulus voucher program to encourage residents to shop local.
Residents can exchange $25 for $100 worth of vouchers (five $20 vouchers) which they can spend at local businesses associated with the Loxton or Riverland West Chambers of Commerce.
Riverland West Chamber of Commerce (RWCC) chair Sonia Fowler said the program has provided a “massive help” for local trades.
“The stimulus voucher program has been well received by residents and businesses in Waikerie,” she said.
“It’s provided a much-needed boost for the whole district, and on top of that, gained more members for our chamber.
“We’ve seen a steady flow of residents into the Waikerie council office collecting their vouchers, and I expect many businesses will report an increase in trade flow.
“A big thanks to council from RWCC for this economical boost.”
McCoy Menswear proprietor and RWCC member Andrew Fulwood said customers were already using the vouchers.
“It’s been a wonderful boost for business,” he said.
“Hopefully, this will encourage more residents to shop local even after they have used their vouchers.”
The vouchers are limited to one resident per household and can be collected from either the Loxton or Waikerie council offices.
Eligibility is based on the council electoral roll as of July 1, 2020.
The program is expected to result in $200,000 of funding being reimbursed across the district. The vouchers expire December 31, 2020.