Support for small business following the Great Western Highway closure
The Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass is currently closed to all traffic for urgent road repairs. While the disruption has been significant, businesses across the Blue Mountains and Central West regions remain resilient and open.
The closure has resulted in detours and increased travel times, placing pressure on local roads across the Blue Mountains, leading to hesitation and confusion for visitors and locals alike
In March and April 2026, the NSW Small Business Commission met with local chambers, council and business owners in Lithgow, Little Hartley, Blackheath, Mount Victoria, Bathurst, and Orange to understand the impacts of the road closure on the local business community.
Visitor economy businesses are experiencing significant trading declines due to reduced visitation and cancellations. There is also significant impact on freight, trades, health, transportation and service-based businesses. Some of these businesses are further impacted by the current fuel and supply chain situation.
The Commission is continuing to gather real-time intelligence to inform advocacy for practical support measures for impacted small businesses. The Commission also continues to work closely with other NSW government agencies and organisations to support broader recovery and transport planning.
For the most up-to-date information on detours, public transport and latest announcements, visit Transport for NSW. Updates on conditions can be found on Live Traffic.
Workshops
The NSW Small Business Commission in partnership with Service NSW Business Bureau and local organisations is hosting a series of workshops along the Great Western Highway to support small businesses impacted by the recent highway closure. The workshops are designed to engage small businesses and provide practical tools and information. Please join us at:
Orange, June 10 Mt Victoria, June 15 Lithgow, June 15
Hartley, June 16 Oberon, June 17
Coming soon
Useful resources:
Backing visitor economies during Great Western Highway travel disruptions
Destination NSW Quick tips for managing unexpected change
Other Ways to the West Campaign
Personalised support for your business
Service NSW Business Bureau
If your business has been impacted by the Great Western Highway road closure at Victoria Pass, the Service NSW Business Bureau can give you dedicated, one-on-one support and help you navigate business disruption.
Business Bureau teams are based in communities across NSW, providing in-person support and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by local businesses.
Get help from the Business Bureau team in your local area, over the phone or online:
- Web: Visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/business
- Phone: 13 77 88
NSW Small Business Commission
The NSW Small Business Commission is also here to help small businesses navigate disruption and resolve issues arising from the road closure.
Contact the NSW Small Business Commission:
- Phone: 1300 795 534 8:30am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday
- Lodge an online enquiry: www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/contact-us#enquiry-form
- Web: www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au
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Mental Health support for small businesses
Lifeline Crisis support
Phone: 13 11 14
NSW Health’s Mental Health Line
Phone: 1800 011 511
Mental health at work: www.nsw.gov.au/employment/mental-health-at-work
Beyond Blue support
Phone: 03 9250 8305
Web chat: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport
Beyond Blue’s NewAccess for Small Business is a free, confidential mental health coaching program, designed to help small business owners and sole traders manage stress, worry and overwhelm.
The program provides a free and confidential 6-week mental health coaching program for small business owners.
Web: www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/newaccess-mental-health-coaching/small-business-owners
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line
13YARN on 13 92 76
Headspace
Phone: 1800 650 890
QLife, LGBTIQ+ peer support
Phone: 1800 184 527 available 3pm-midnight everyday.