Wingecarribee Shire Council and the Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry are working together to assist businesses impacted by a fire in Bowral’s CBD last week.
Council’s General Manager, Lisa Miscamble said it was focused on offering immediate and longer-term assistance to affected businesses.
“On behalf of Council I offer my deepest sympathies to all the shop owners who’ve built up their businesses only to have them destroyed in a matter of hours,” she said.
“To help affected businesses get back on their feet as soon as possible, we’re working closely with the Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry to learn how we can assist.”
Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry chair, Steve Horton said the Chamber and Council were working together to “achieve the best results for the local businesses that have been impacted”.
Ms Miscamble said the initial focus would be around immediate measures to make the area safe and ensure neighbouring businesses could continue trade.
“We have established a business concierge service for those businesses directly impacted by the fire and will be working with the property owner’s agent to provide hoarding to protect these retailers,” she said.
“We’ll also be cleaning the area to ensure shoppers can return as soon as it is safe to do so.
“We’ll also be working with the Chamber and local businesses to investigate mid to longer-term measures to beautify the area to ensure the precinct remains inviting until a decision is made on the future of the site by the owner.”
Ms Miscamble said it was imperative that Council continue to work with other lead agencies including Transport for NSW.
“Council is committed to working with Transport for NSW as to how we can assist in managing any traffic issues as the clean-up begins.”
“I would also like to commend the crews from Fire and Rescue NSW who attended the blaze and helped contain what could have been a far worse situation,” she said.
