Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt is urging residents to support local producers and businesses amid the coronavirus.

“There’s an opportunity now for people to buy local. Our local butchers have stock, our local seafood providers are over stocked, due to challenges with aviation export markets, they have fridges and freezers full of Australian product,” Mr Pitt said.

“Buying local is good for the local economy, it keeps local people employed and it keeps businesses in business.

“I want to reassure my constituents that Australia is not going to run out of food, we’re not going to run out of consumables and people just need to buy what they usually buy.

“We all need to take a calm and measured approach, there is no need for panic buying – it just needs to stop,” he said.

Mr Pitt said there are some restrictions in place to make sure products are available for everybody, but changes around truck deliveries meant that delivery can be made anytime to ensure that stock is arriving when it’s needed.

The Coalition Government has introduced a range of measures to help small and medium businesses, as well as the $750 stimulus payment which will be paid automatically from March 31, 2020.

“Discussions are underway right now about additional support the government can provide to ensure that our economy gets through the current situation.

“Australia is a resilient nation and we are resilient people. Our priority is the health of Australians but we will get through this, we will come out the other side and we will be stronger.”

For up-to-date information on the coronavirus visit: www.health.gov.au