The latest business survey has suggested that energy price hikes are starting to put the squeeze on local businesses, with the biggest jump in the operating costs index since 2009.
The Murray Riverina Business Chamber Acting Regional Manager Naomi Stuart, says while business confidence is strong off the back of increasing sales revenue, the gains are being eroded by the record high operating costs, especially after the July 1 electricity price hikes.
Ms Stuart says governments need to recognise the impact that high energy prices are having on business, and should be implementing a package of measures to ease cost pressures in the short term.