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Chairman of the Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry Steve Horton said that the drought in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic meant some businesses struggled more than others.

"There are three businesses in Bowral that have closed during the COVID-19 period," he said.

"From what I have been told they were planned closures, however the COVID-19 pandemic may have escalated the closures.

"We've had a difficult period from November 2019 through to now.

"Now we are experiencing heavy rainfall with major flooding in many of our visitor draw areas."

However, things are looking up for businesses in the Southern Highlands.

"We have seen several businesses picking up in the Highlands as our visitor numbers have increased," Steve said.

"Many of our local businesses did not experience any downturn during either the fire period or COVID period.

"We need to continue to focus on buying local first in this area as we need to encourage local to buy in local stores and use local service providers."

Businesses that continue to struggle can contact Business Enterprise Centre to seek advice.

"If your business has experienced a slow down during this period now is the time to get your $3000 grant from the state government and use for advertising or to contact one of our fantastic marketing and internet businesses to talk about how you can get online or improve your social media focus."

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