THE ACT’s seven-day snap lockdown is a “worrying” time for businesses across the border, some Queanbeyan retailers say.
Karabar Takeaway operator Peter Kay said his family-run business of 15 years had already taken a huge hit since last year.
He said the ACT’s lockdown is a cruel blow to local business still recovering from reduced trade and poor business conditions.
“Business has dropped around 30 per cent, my company has been destroyed, it’s a worrying time,” said Mr Kay.
“Things have been so up and down, business is very inconsistent, but you can’t control it.”
The knock-on effects of Canberra’s lockdown was evident across the border yesterday (August 12) when “massive” lines of shoppers queued outside Woolworth’s in Queanbeyan, as panic buying set in.
Long-time Queanbeyan butcher Peter Lindbeck said there’s already been a run on fresh meat supplies.
“I had enough meat to last till next Wednesday and it was gone by yesterday afternoon,” Mr Lindbeck said.
“There were 30 people lined up outside my store at one stage.”
Although the last 18 months have been the “best” in his 43 years in business, Mr Lindbeck admitted it’s been a “tiring time”.
He said the panic running in the community is not healthy.
“I think people need to relax a bit,” he said.
Justin Devenish from Karabar’s Home Timber and Hardware said the ACT’s lockdown has brought the covid situation closer to home.
“It’s not great, people are worried,” Mr Devenish said.
“We’ve had about a 20 per cent decline in business since masks became mandatory. Things have really slowed down.”
“But we just have to hang in there, it’s hard on everybody.”
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