It's a perennial issue: What to do to revitalise Katoomba?
And it's a topic of conversation again because of a recent Facebook post by Cr Kerry Brown ("We need to talk about Katoomba") and the imminent start of a master plan for the town.
Cr Brown was stirred in to action after hearing from local businesses who are doing it tough.
Palette Dining has closed down in Old Bathurst Road. There is another large shop on that road also for lease. And at the corner opposite the station there are currently four empty shops.
"Tourism is increasing and at the same time so are the empty shops and struggling businesses in Katoomba Street," said Cr Brown.
"I am told that the decline in retail this year might be as much as 20 per cent.
"Katoomba Street is not a run of chain stores. It is a run of unique local endeavours. When a shop, gallery or cafe closes, it is not just a bunch of stuff that goes, so does the hard work, imagination, finances and livelihood of a person or family. The town loses a little bit of its soul."
She said the reasons most often raised with her are excessive rents, tourism promotions that send everyone straight to Echo Point and a poorly presented street.
Cr Brown's Facebook post gathered hundreds of responses. Rachel Black said she tried to open a shop in Katoomba St but found the rents were outrageous.
"We ended up getting a shop in the heart of Newtown, with a one-bedroom unit attached, for less than a small shop on the main Street of Katoomba."
Many bemoaned the sad condition of so many shopfronts, which could do with a lick of paint, as well as the council-owned Town Centre Arcade, which constantly struggles to find tenants.
They wanted wider footpaths, more seating, more street art, a one-way street system along Katoomba and Parke streets and a tart-up for Kingsford Smith Park.
Cr Brown said council was addressing the issues in Katoomba with a strategic reference group to be established next month and work on the town's master plan due to start next year.
In the meantime, comment on council's draft local strategic planning statement (including priority 7 which highlights Katoomba) at https://yoursay.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/.