With just days to go until Dine and Discover vouchers expire only 58% of the vouchers have been spent state-wide according to figures provided by the Department of Customer Service.

Questions lodged in Parliament by the Opposition reveal $337 million in Dine and Discover vouchers remain unspent with the Central Coast LGA having the highest dollar value of vouchers unspent of any LGA at around $14 million.

When announcing that registrations for the scheme were open the then Treasurer, now Premier said “We’ve heard loud and clear just how tough it has been for businesses across NSW. This program will reinvigorate local economies and provide customers with hip pocket relief”.

The figures show these crucial stimulus funding has failed to reach our community despite the cost of living continuing to rise. 

Shadow Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said ‘Many people will miss out on the benefits and in particular local businesses will miss the revenue. ‘

Shadow Minister for Customer Service, Yasmin Catley said ‘Labor welcomed the investment in the Dine and Discover scheme to help revitalise local economies’.

‘But it is disappointing to see that despite the Premier saying the objective of this program was to reinvigorate local economies that money has failed to reach regional communities’.

The Entrance MP, David Mehan said ‘This coming weekend is last the last weekend to use these vouchers. I would encourage everyone to use them and help support our local economy’.

Gosford MP, Liesl Tesch said ‘Come on Coasties, let’s make the most of this money to spend in our local bars, restaurants and other attractions’.