Ms Hughes runs a coffee shop and bed and breakfast in Scottsdale, and said there were now less empty shops in the main street, including the opening of a new gym, and a new swap shop. 

She said she’d seen an extended tourist season, but had experienced room cancellations in recent weeks due to rainy weather. 

“We’ve also noticed some businesses that have been established for a long time have actually moved to larger premises. So that in itself is a good indicator of how things are travelling,” she said. 

Ms Hughes noted the area had experienced greater stability due to an upsurge in forestry.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, employment in agriculture, forestry and fishing in Tasmania has held steady over a four year period from 2014-15 to June, employing a total of 22000.

Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Michael Bailey said forestry was returning in the North-East.

The TCCI’s recent survey of business expectations shows the North of Tasmania has a reasonably positive but weakening view of the region’s economy. 

He said the recent announcement of Derby’s 2017 Enduro World Series would no doubt create additional tourism to that already experienced through the Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails.

Local government census data showed the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry accounted for 24 per cent of total employment in the Dorset area in 2011. 

Dorset Flex co-owner Heath Summers said his new business, which opened in April, had exceeded expectations.

“We’ve got around about 150 members already, we run seven different classes a week, with an average of about 10 people per class,” he said.

Radio Station Shop owner Cate Ilot said business was slow during winter, but would no doubt pick up during the tourism season. 

Ms Hughes noted the dairy industry had brought down confidence in the region, which has experienced a downturn in recent months.