Businesses in Kangaroo Valley struggling after bushfires, floods

Kangaroo Valley has been battered by drought, bushfires, Covid and now flooding. The community wants visitors to know they are open for business as they struggle to revive the once busy town.

There are fears a Shoalhaven tourist town battered by bushfires, Covid and now flooding may not survive without the return of visitors critical to keeping the community afloat.

A desolate main street over Easter – traditionally Kangaroo Valley’s busiest weekend of the year – has prompted local business owners to make a desperate plea to keep their town alive.

One boutique made just $7 in sales over a recent day of trade while an adventure company has been forced to return $45,000 in bookings after a string of bad weather.

Now, after two-and-a-half years of crushing blows that started when fire tore through during Black Summer, the Kangaroo Valley community has one message: Our resilience has run out.

“Even before the fires we were in drought,” resident of 25 years Joan Bray said.

“We’ve been beaten by one thing after another and I just wonder what we’ve done to deserve all this.”

Kangaroo Valley’s main street would typically be packed with visitors over the Easter long weekend. Picture: Tim Hunter

The Easter long weekend coupled with near-perfect weather would typically see the town a hive of activity, with families winding around hiking trails, adventure seekers on the water and a constant stream of holiday-makers stopping in at local eateries.

But while the township itself managed to escape the brunt of the most recent floods, travel in and out has been severely limited.

The main arterial road into Kangaroo Valley has been completely cut off, and is expected to remain closed for at least three months, while the other major road has been reduced to one lane of traffic open just once hourly via escort.

Restricted access combined with overall hesitancy about Covid and wet weather has caused holiday-makers to steer well clear of the area.

It’s a devastating result for business owners who were banking on this weekend to turn their bad fortunes around.

Glyn and Martin Stones, father and son owners of Kangaroo Valley Safaris, have been running tours and adventure hire in the community for 33 years.

Martin and Glyn Stones have returned $45k in bookings. Picture: Tim Hunter

Longtime local Joan Bray says the community is feeling defeated. Picture: Tim Hunter

“Just over the last few weeks during this flood period we have handed back $45,000 to people who have cancelled,” Martin said.

“We’ve had resilience in the past but after two-and-a-half horrendous years it’s very hard to keep going.

“The resilience has run out.”

Lincoln Powley, who owns Sweet As lollies and gelato shop with wife Melissa, said road closures would be the nail in the coffin for some businesses.

“As of last month we were down 70 per cent and this month has so far been the same,” Mr Powley said.

“It fell off a cliff and has stayed off the cliff and we’re not really seeing any improvement.

“At the moment we’re staying afloat but if this continues for another three to six months that could change.”

“The scary thing is not knowing how long this will last and how long we can hang in there for,” Ms Powley added.

Sweet As lolly shop owners Melissa and Lincoln Powley said business had “fallen off a cliff”. Picture: Tim Hunter

The Friendly Inn manager Caroline Lenati said business was down about 60 per cent. Picture: Tim Hunter

The Friendly Inn manager licensee Caroline Lenati said patronage at the town’s pub remained down about 60 per cent.

“It feels like we’re still in a Covid lockdown because there’s nobody coming through,” Ms Lenati said.

“Before the floods we were thinking great, we might get back to where we need to be, but all of a sudden things changed again.

“It’s upsetting, it’s stressful, and we don’t know where to go from here.”

Hampden Deli owner Nick Garden said financial support would be a boost for the region. Picture: Tim Hunter

Karen Barker, owner of Valley Vintage, said there was one day her business did just $7 in sales.

“That ends up costing me like $500 by the time I pay rent and staff and everything else,” Ms Barker said.

“It’s just really sad.”

Kangaroo Valley business owners have been calling out for financial assistance from the government to keep the town afloat.

Currently funds are only available in the area for those directly impacted by flooding, but not businesses experiencing the flow-on effects.

Nick Gardner, chef and owner at Hampden Deli, Buona Pizza and Hampden Wine Lounge, said a round of JobKeeper or rent assistance would be a game changer.

“Hands down that’s what we need,” Mr Gardner said.

“We’ve tightened the screws and I’m wearing as many hats as possible, but there’s only so much you can do.”

Valley Vintage owner Karen Barker made $7 in sales in a day at her business. Picture: Tim Hunter

Valley Outdoors owner Travis Frenay urged visitors to come back to the region. Picture: Tim Hunter

Kiama MP Gareth Ward said he had written to Small Business Minister Eleni Petinos to plead for additional help.

“There are specific supports for the Northern Rivers region, and that’s appropriate, but Kangaroo Valley should not be forgotten,” Mr Ward said.

“Cash flow has been significantly impacted, businesses can’t pay their rent or staff, so the government needs to hear the genuine distress of communities like this one.”

But the most important part in returning Kangaroo Valley to its tourism hey day will be bringing visitors back to the region.

“The environment here is so unique, it’s spectacular, and really it’s never looked better,” Valley Outdoors owner Travis Frenay said.

“The thing we want people to know is we’re still here and we’re open.

“The access points have been reduced, it may take you a little longer, but the greatest destinations are those that require a little challenge to reach and Kangaroo Valley is certainly worth it.”