Businesses in the Southern Highlands are struggling.
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The recent bushfires in the Northern Villages and Southern Villages have impacted business across the region.
Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SHCCI) chair Steven Horton said that multiple businesses had struggled since the bushfires began at the start of summer
"The majority of businesses I have spoken to have been impacted and we are estimating that visitation in some areas is down as much as 50 per cent over the past two months," he said
"However, I did have one business tell me this morning that they were doing well and did not feel as if they had been impacted.
"What we need to see now is for locals to get behind the local businesses in both the major towns and the surrounding villages like Burrawang, Berrima, Bundanoon, Hill Top just to name a few.
"We also need for our locals to invite family and friends to visit the area and spend their money in our retails shops and cafes. The business community will continue to work together with the view of coming through this time of crisis.
"We need to ensure that when we commence the rebuild of the infrastructure in our area that we use local tradespeople, that we buy our landscaping supplies locally, that we buy our white goods, electrical appliance and furniture from our local stores.
"Prime Minister Scott Morrison has indicated that the government is pulling together a number of packages including support for small to medium businesses being indirectly impacted by the fires."
Burrawang Wildes Meadow Association president Chris McCann said that the fires had created a sombre mood. "People are losing business because of the fires," he said. Industries such as retail, wineries, vineyards and cafes have mostly been impacted by the busfhire crisis.
NSW RFS community safety officer David Stimson said that there was no immediate fire danger but residents and tourists should continue to monitor the Green Wattle Creek and Morton fire situation.
"It's not out yet, but it is safe to continue business as usual," he said.
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