The Illawarra Business Chamber and the Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce held a meeting on July 19 with local businesspeople following the near cancellation of the Southern Highlands Food and Wine Festival.

IBC executive director Adam Zarth said the near cancellation of the prominent agri-tourism event was the “final straw for many local businesses who are fed up and demanding action.” 

“In the end [the festival] was only saved by industry. So many businesses in the Highlands feel there are a number of factors inhibiting businesses in the region. Council needs to start acting collegiately to address the needs of business,” said Mr Zarth. 

Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Steve Horton said he had heard countless stories from businesses and felt it was important that solutions be found locally. 

“We don’t want to escalate it up the line to the NSW Business Chamber. We want to handle things locally. What we need is a consistent team approach from council,” said Mr Horton.

One request made to council in the statement was to establish an independent economic advisory committee for business and council to “work in solidarity.” 

“No community can function without business, yet there seems to be a disconnect between decision-makers in the Highlands and the needs of their local economy. We had a lot of  businesses saying the same thing,” said Mr Zarth.

“With youth unemployment trending upwards in the Highlands, we cannot afford to put jobs and investment at risk,” said Mr Horton.