Rising concern about the impact of the ongoing fuel crisis on regional tourism has prompted some to urge city residents not to cancel their country Easter holiday plans.
Tourism operators across regional NSW are reporting a slowdown, with early signs of cancellations and reduced bookings as fuel prices climb and uncertainty continues.
Local businesses say the downturn is already being felt.
“It’s a tough time for many people who work in tourism,” Mr Butler said.
“Caravan parks in Broken Hill are reporting a drop in revenue of more than 25%, with management and staff discussing reduced hours.
“Fewer shifts are available for motel workers around Narrabri too.
“Tourism businesses and their employees are being squeezed by rising fuel costs on the one hand and declining visitor numbers on the other.”
Mr Butler said widespread media coverage of fuel shortages in regional areas was contributing to concern among potential visitors, despite fuel still being available.
“While some individual service stations might run short of some fuels, there is still fuel available across the regions,” he said.
“My message to city residents is – don’t cancel your Easter holiday plans because you’re worried about fuel.
“Use the NSW FuelCheck app to plan your journey and check fuel availability along the way.
“You’ll create lasting memories while supporting local communities at the same time.”
The warning comes as fuel prices surge past $3 a litre in parts of NSW, placing additional pressure on household budgets and prompting calls for government relief measures.
Kellie Sloane said many families were now reconsidering their Easter travel plans, with the rising cost of fuel making even short trips more expensive.
“This will be a hard Easter for many NSW families with fuel costs skyrocketing and already stretched household budgets under more pressure,” Ms Sloane said.
“Free public transport over the long weekend puts money back in families’ pockets when they need it most.”
The NSW Liberals and Nationals have also called on the government to introduce free public transport over the Easter long weekend, including regional train services, arguing it would ease cost pressures while boosting economic activity through increased movement and spending.
However, Chris Minns has sought to reassure both travellers and regional communities that fuel supply remains stable overall, despite ongoing challenges.
“We’re doing everything we can possibly do to make that fuel available to regional consumers,” Mr Minns said.
“With the fuel supply secure, at least for the coming month, we’re not making a decision today to tell people to radically reduce their trips around the state or cancel Easter holidays, but as time goes on, we may be encouraging people to use common sense in terms of whether or not they need to travel.”
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