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OUR STORY

We began 1996, and have been known locally as the Moss Vale & Rural Chamber of Commerce.

Our early focus was on leading the recovery of Moss Vale with a successful strategy to fill existing shop vacancies. Through advocacy and an awareness campaign that Moss Vale was a good place to do business, those vacancies were filled and Moss Vale now has a thriving retail precinct.

We grew our membership throughout the Southern Highlands with an increased focus on the ‘rural’ economy. Some recent achievements include:

  • establishing the Food & Wine Clusters covering eight local villages
  • growers and producers showcase events
  • creating the Southern Highlands Hospitality Hub to assist our restaurants and cafés
  • Battle of the Buskers events showcasing local talent
  • advocacy for changes to local Land and Environment policy and in local government regulations
  • events to assist business recovery and leverage the strong growth in residents moving to our region


GROW 2026 Strategic issues
5 key objectives were determined:

  1. LAND TAX review
    The current Land tax (State Govt) is a major issue affecting farmers who are trying to make their farms more resilient through diversification. Examples given were if our mushroom farmer cuts up his mushrooms on site, then he risks his primary producer TAX status. This is an issue for all Farmers and  Vineyards.
  2. ENVIRONMENTAL improvements to property
    The current “YELLOW” (category 2 regulated land) (State Govt) is at odds with farmers who wish to improve their land through biodiversity practices that are proven to increase soil carbon and environmental health. Our aim is to progress the establishment of clearly defined Biodiversity trade-offs that allow farmers to take positive actions to improve the health of their properties.
  3. GOURMET VILLAGES TRAIL
    The key Visitor economy initiative for the Southern Highlands. The goal is to secure funding to launch the full pilot scheme and maximise the program for the benefit of all Southern Highlands businesses.
  4. GROWERS HUB
    Support the establishment of a supply chain consolidation mechanism and Area Sustainability Leadership Branding that allows our sustainable farmers to maximise their ability to sell into the Sydney and Canberra markets.
  5. EQUINE performance Group
    Continue to grow the equine sector to improve visitor economy, local employment and training opportunities.

Ongoing

The committee discussed the progress and successes of 2025 and previous work that has made significant changes for our members and their businesses, particularly around the success of the work put into National Thoroughbred week and this laying the foundations to further build on the Southern Highlands being the “performance horse” centre for Australia.

Image: Battle of the Buskers, Claire Fenwicke