Lake Cathie has been hit hard over the past year by a trifecta of issues including bushfires, an ailing lake system and COVID-19 restrictions.

Association president for the location, Vern Warner, said the association has received positive feedback from businesses and accommodation providers since the lake was opened to the ocean in May.

Mr Warner said the lake is still not 100 per cent, as ash runoff from the bushfires has been washing into the lake whenever it rains.

However he said it is slowly returning to normal, with tides helping to ensure the flush of the water body.

Read more: Signs of positive recovery after Lake Cathie opening

The easing of COVID-19 restrictions has also meant pubs and clubs have been able to reopen under certain guidelines implemented by the NSW Government.

Mr Warner said the association's members are taking an active role in helping to promote businesses and their initiatives through social media.

He said some accommodation was totally booked out over the June long weekend, when restrictions first eased in NSW.

Jess Arcuri has been the co-owner of Little Palm Cabins at Lake Cathie for the past 18 months.

She said it's been a tough time for the business, especially with the ongoing issues in the area but is hopeful they will survive.

While bookings are being made in the lead up to the holidays, Jess said people are wary and tend to make a decision in relation to a holiday at the last minute.

People always ask if the lake is open to the ocean, Jess said, which comes before they secure a booking.

Jess is worried the lake won't stay open for much longer and said more needs to be done to ensure the water body's longevity for the future.

Meanwhile, just up the road at Reflections Holiday Parks Bonny Hills, staff member Marilyn Chambers said the park is almost booked out for the July holidays.

She said it's been a relief to see the park come alive again after the easing of restrictions from the June long weekend.

The park is still taking precautions in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, including cleaning the amenities four times a day.

Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce president Stuart Bate said the organisation is cautiously optimistic the situation is starting to improve for businesses in the region, in light of recent easing of restrictions.

However, he said the industry is not out of trouble yet, as the conclusion of various stimulus packages by the government in September will likely take its toll.

Mr Bate said it's important Lake Cathie is viewed as an important community asset, where the lake is the jewel of the location.

He has spoken to a cafe owner in the area who said they have experienced an uplift in business as a result of the recent opening.

The Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce launched its Camden Haven Gift Card campaign in July.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.