Snowy Valleys mayor James Hayes said a potential visit from Prince William and his wife Kate would be a welcome boost for the region's bushfire-affected towns. Prime Minister Scott Morrison is expected to this week formally invite the royal couple to Australia to tour some yet-to-be named communities hit by fire over the summer.
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The government has been in discussion with Kensington Palace regarding the visit, with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge showing concern on social media over the extent of the fire damage across the country.
No dates or locations have been announced for the tour, as planning remains in its early stages.
This season's fires caused significant damage throughout Batlow, Tumbarumba, Adelong and Talbingo, raising the possibility that the popular royals could be headed to the region.
Cr Hayes said a royal visit would be a great way to put the Snowy Valleys region on the "world map" by showcasing the community's resilience while also providing a welcome distraction.
"I think it would be a relief for people," he said.
He said while he had seen how devastating conditions had been along the NSW coast, it was important to see interest in the inland communities also heavily impacted.
"We mightn't be in everyone's memory because people don't come here for a beach holiday," he said.
He said while tourism was an industry that could bounce back relatively quickly from the fires, local industries including agriculture and soft wood had a "long road" ahead.
