FOUR new major events are set for Wagga in an effort to boost morale and rejuvenate a central business district struggling during the pandemic.
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The proposal is just one part of a comprehensive COVID-19 relief package that aims to mitigate the financial impact on the local economy which Wagga councillors will consider at a meeting on Monday night.
Mayor Greg Conkey said the council has been looking to create four new major events, as well as 20 smaller events, for the CBD to reactivate and rejuvenate the area.
The exact nature of these events are still to be decided, but Cr Conkey said the roll out was tentatively scheduled to start from September.
However, he did acknowledge that the council will need to be "extremely flexible" in light of the current situation happening across the border.
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"We are mindful that the CBD plays a really important role in the city, but at the same time we have a number of small, medium and large businesses outside the CBD that we need to be mindful of, as well as the suburban shopping centres," he said.
"While it is earmarked for the CBD, hopefully [these events] will have a flow-on effect for the whole community."
Wagga Business Chamber vice-president Caleb Richards said the success of any retail and hospitality business depends on people walking through the doors.
He said these events are designed to help bring more foot traffic to the main street, which will help businesses through the tough times ahead.
"If we can get that message out to the broader business and Wagga community, we can encourage people to come out. These events will create a reason for people to get out and about," he said.
"It puts an emphasis on people buying locally and keeping those shops open. It is especially relevant now."
Mr Richards said it is the community's role to focus on spending locally where possible.
He said if people are "more conscious" of doing that, rather than buying online, it will help stores stay open and be profitable.
The council's relief package outlines support through small business support, seasonal user fees for sporting groups, commercial lease agreements, relief for infrastructure contributions and a hardship policy for commercial tenants.
