It's the news struggling Shoalhaven and South Coast businesses had been waiting to hear: most of the region is considered safe enough for tourists to return.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On Saturday, after the giant Currowan fire stayed mostly contained during Friday's dangerous hot weather, emergency services said visitors were encouraged to help the communities get back on their feet.
As police and the Rural Fire Service gave the all clear, NSW Liberal MP Shelley Hancock added her voice to the call for tourists to return, saying they should choose "Huskisson over Hawaii".
"The Shoalhaven boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia - from Culburra Beach to Bawley Point, our region is truly a spectacular place to holiday," she said on Saturday.
"Instead of Bali, think Berrara, Nowra instead of Noumea, Huskisson over Hawaii.
Instead of Bali, think Berrara, Nowra instead of Noumea, Huskisson over Hawaii.
- South Coast MP Shelley Hancock
"With many local businesses hit hard as a result of the fires, there is no better way to show your support for South Coast communities than by packing your bags and heading down to the coast for your next holiday.
"The South Coast is open for business and I encourage potential holidaymakers to choose the Shoalhaven as their next destination for a summer break.
The Currowan fire has been burning in the Shoalhaven area for the past six weeks, affecting the peak season for many people for whom tourism is their livelihood.
The RFS said Friday's hot and windy conditions caused a number of flare ups across the fire ground, but that firefighters were able to prevent major outbreaks.
And, the weather for the next week is predicted to bring further reprieve, with cooler temperatures and the chance of showers later in the week.
While welcoming tourists back, Shoalhaven Rural Fire Service Incident Controller Superintendent Mark Williams noted firefighters still had "weeks and months" of work to contain and recover from the fire.
Read more: The Currowan fire: a monster on the loose
"We encourage visitors to make contact with their accommodation providers to confirm they are open for business," he said.
"While enjoying your time in the Shoalhaven we ask that you stay up to date using Fires Near Me and Live Traffic applications."
Likewise, local emergency operations controller Inspector Dave Cockram, from NSW Police, reminded visitors to "observe road closures and respect the privacy of residents who have lost homes by avoiding fire affected areas".
"There are numerous coastal villages ready and waiting to welcome visitors," he said.
Similarly, on the Far South Coast, officials say the immediate threat of the multiple fires burning in that area has passed.
On Satruday morning, Merimbula Visitor Information Centre posted pictures of a clear blue sky, saying that the coast was "back to our characteristic 'Sapphire Blues'.
"We are now able to welcome visitors again," the centre said on Facebook.
"What a difference a day makes as the saying goes! And how about this - thanks to a stellar effort by emergency & fire crews overnight, we are back to our characteristic 'Sapphire Blues'."
With months of the fire season still ahead, holiday parks and accommodation providers are being asked to review their systems of monitoring weather conditions and changes in the fire situation so that they can ensure their guests are well informed and stay safe whilst visiting the area.
National Parks will remain closed until February 1.
Kate McIlwain
For more than a decade, I've helped the Illawarra Mercury set the news agenda across the region. Currently I'm the paper's health reporter - covering the stories of Illawarra workers and residents in the wake of a global pandemic and at a time where our health systems are stretched to the limit.
For more than a decade, I've helped the Illawarra Mercury set the news agenda across the region. Currently I'm the paper's health reporter - covering the stories of Illawarra workers and residents in the wake of a global pandemic and at a time where our health systems are stretched to the limit.
