COVID-19 restrictions are already causing problems for local businesses battling to remain viable, but they also have to contend with a substantial increase in the number of people buying online from businesses that can be based anywhere in the world and those travelling to regional hubs to shop.

Cr Hope said residents should support local businesses through the pandemic to ensure the rural community maintained the goods and services they provided.

"From the local baker, saddler or plumber to the local pharmacy, food outlet or fencing contractor, small businesses contribute together to make something far more valuable than anything they do or sell. They help to build and are an important component of the fabric of our local communities," he said.

"They bring income to our towns and villages, provide local jobs, give our kids apprenticeships and work experience. They support local sporting teams, donate to local charities and work as volunteers."

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Cr Hope said LPSC had been supporting the national Go Local First campaign since day dot.

"In recent weeks we've streamlined our social media campaign to focus more on local businesses, their owners, the locals they employ and people who shop there. They are local faces we all recognise and highlight the reasons we should Go Local First; for the convenience they offer, for the jobs they provide and their important role in the local economy," he said.

"If you've got a local business in the LPS, whether you have a shopfront or are a contractor or supplier of services, send council a photo that illustrates what your business does and where possible includes employees and/or customers and we'll use them as part of the campaign."

Business owners can send their contact details, the address of their operations and a few words about the nature of their business accompanying a photo via email to 'Attn Local Business Photo' lpsc@lpsc.nsw.gov.au

"This campaign is about all our local businesses so whether you're in the towns, villages or based on a property please join in," the mayor said.

"Our quality lifestyle in a rural community is dependent on convenient availability of goods and services. Any businesses we lose because of COVID-19 may never return. So, support local businesses, keep the shire economy operating and Go Local First."