Just over $30 million in unspent funds designated for small businesses affected by the NSW-Victoria border closure should be redirected to further support, a business body says.
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In August, the NSW government announced $45 million for two tiers of grants for border businesses that suffered 30 or 75 per cent turnover declines.
Applications closed in October and $14.7 million went to 2134 businesses, 1323 receiving the $5000 grant and 811 the $10,000 grant.
A Service NSW spokeswoman did not say whether there would be a second grant round to reflect the 53 days of border closure not captured by the program.
"The NSW Government continues to closely monitor the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and is committed to supporting small businesses impacted by the pandemic," she said.
"We will continue to monitor ongoing impacts on southern border businesses."
Albury Business Connect has assisted businesses with eligibility and applications, and board chair Barry Young said unspent funds should go to border support.
"If that money was freed up, traders could access help to promote their business," he said.
"That money could go a long way to help people get back on their feet - during COVID, revenue has been down 30 to 50 per cent.
"People have had to increase borrowings from financial institutions.
"It [the grant program] wasn't the be-all and end-all, but it was certainly helpful."
The NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, did not commit to the move when in Albury on Sunday.
"I know how difficult it's been for some businesses to even survive, which is why we provided those grants, but remember in the budget this week we announced a number of initiatives which will help all businesses across the state," she said.
"Whilst it's [the border closure] been very devastating for many businesses, other businesses have flourished."
From today, customer check-in at all NSW businesses must be completed using electronic methods such as QR code.
Ms Berejiklian rejected that the mandatory requirement had been costly for businesses.
"I think businesses are really ecstatic about the QR codes, because it's free, and it gives citizens confidence," she said.
"We're the only state that has that in widespread application, in fact Victoria I don't think has even completed their pilots yet.
"That's what sets us apart from the rest of the country; our QR codes, our social distancing - all of us in NSW are really making the effort."
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Mr Young said there had been some confusion about which businesses had to have QR codes.
"The best advice is to contact Service NSW," he said.
"When you do your COVID-safety plan, how you categorise your business will determine whether it is mandatory or not."
