After a large outcry from the Uralla business community, the state has stepped in to make changes allowing them to continue their retail operations after a "unique" council decision.
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Northern Tableland's MP Adam Marshal announced on Monday that the State Government was amending the Uralla Shire Local Environmental Plan (LEP), clarifying the definition of 'home business' and 'home industry'.
It effectively gives small and home-based businesses in the Uralla Shire the go-ahead to continue, or begin conducting, their online retail sales from home - which council had prohibited.
Having the capacity to trade online is the most critical tool to sustain communities as we look to economically recover from COVID-19.
- Tara Toomey
For The Humble Cook's Tara Toomey, this was a "thrilling" development. Being listed on Buy Regional, she can now operate from home and face a Christmas rush.
"Having the capacity to trade online is the most critical tool to sustain communities as we look to economically recover from COVID-19," Mrs Toomey said.
"It is essential for small businesses to be supported as we compete in a global online space, and I thank the government for intervening to allow this to happen and for making it a smoother process for all involved."
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After previously saying the interpretation of the LEP was up to individual councils, Mr Marshall was delighted Planning Minister Rob Stokes had acted quickly in response to concerns.
Council had voted to ban 'retail' business in rural and residential zones, which resulted in 140 plus attendance at a public meeting to discuss 'retail'.
"The changes have come into effect and require Uralla Shire Council to drop its 'unique and controversial' interpretation of the LEP and fall into line with the rest of the State," Mr Marshall said.
"Sydneysiders answered the call by supporting rural and regional businesses during the drought and online sales have boomed during COVID-19, so it's important for Uralla that businesses not be excluded from selling goods to their online customers,"
