WHILE rising fuel prices continue to create challenges for households and businesses across the country, one Camden Haven business owner says the response from his customers has been a reminder that community support remains strong during difficult times.
Jake Thrash, owner and operator of Coastside Gardens, recently made the difficult decision to introduce a temporary $5 fuel surcharge for his regular lawn maintenance clients after a sharp rise in fuel costs began affecting the day to day running of his business.
Mr Thrash, who has operated the business since 2019, said he felt uneasy when first advising clients of the change, unsure how it would be received.
“I was definitely concerned people might react negatively because no one likes hearing about extra costs, especially at the moment when everyone is feeling pressure,” he said.
“I sent out an email explaining the situation as honestly as I could, that fuel had jumped significantly and it was starting to directly impact the cost of getting from job to job.”
To his surprise, the response was overwhelmingly supportive.
“A majority of clients came back with understanding and encouragement,” Mr Thrash said.
“A lot of people acknowledged that small businesses are doing it tough too and that a temporary five dollar surcharge was reasonable in the circumstances. That support meant a lot.”
Mr Thrash also welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to halve the fuel excise for three months, saying any relief would help businesses that rely heavily on transport and machinery.
“Any reduction helps. Fuel is one of those costs you cannot avoid in this line of work, so seeing some short term relief is positive.”
By Luke HADFIELD
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