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.

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

Visit Central NSW

Personalised support for your business

Service NSW Business Bureau

If your business has been impacted by the Great Western Highway closure, you can register for free, independent and confidential advice with the Service NSW Business Bureau.

The Business Concierge team is available for in-person appointments or over the phone.

Get support in the way that suits you:

Phone: 13 77 88
Web: to book a call visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/business
Book an in-person appointment: book.service.nsw.gov.au/services/business-bureau/landing

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

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