City’s retailers must take control of own destiny
Retail is doing it tough, according to data on council’s website.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Between 2007 and 2015 inflation adjusted retail sales fell from $472 million to $467 million, and accommodation food and beverage sales plummeted from $227 million to $156 million.
Despite these numbers, six months ago council’s 2016-17 Council Plan boasted: “A significant amount of public investment guided by the Bendigo CBD Plan has ensured the vibrancy and attraction of the city to businesses, residents and visitors.”
A false market signal. Vibrancy with no gain over eight years?
It took Joseph Hinchliffe’s article “Down town retail a priority: O’Rourke” (November 1) and Mark Kearney’s article “Lyttleton Terrace set for makeover as traders propose new precinct” (December 2) to “unensure” council’s perception, and express concerned traders’ views.
An aside, Mark suggested Mayor Marg O’Rourke “… ran for council on a platform of downtown retail re-invigoration”.
No mention of that in Marg’s Eppalock ward candidacy statement. Nevertheless, I commend Marg and council for now being out there working with downtown retailers to find answers. But it must go further. Some risks and ideas.
Council cannot pour more residents’ money into the CBD. It’s time property owners collectively took responsibility to improve the precinct and add value to their properties. The Backhaus Estate and Sandhurst Trustees, are big players here.
The old 2005 CBD Structure Plan needs upgrading. Traders’ representatives, building owners and the Bendigo Business Council are best placed to lead, undertake and own that upgrade and marketing strategy – with council to assist from a safe distance. CBD users to be consulted; certain realities addressed.
One reality is council’s 10-minute neighbourhood and environment strategies. It’s about locals accessing daily needs (shops, work, schools, etc.) within a 10-minute walk, zero carbon emissions, improved shared or low-carbon transport, and an equitable sustainable local economy.
So, Huntly, Heathcote, Maiden Gully, Strathfieldsaye, Epsom, Kangaroo Flat, Elmore, and Eaglehawk residents can’t be expected to travel to save the CBD at the cost of the local retailers.
Tensions and contradictions will persist whilst CBD and local centres’ purposes and functions are confused.
None of this will be easy. Verifiable hard evidence is required to make the right decisions. All must deep-mine the data. Those who stand to gain must step up.
Ted Coleman, Strathfieldsaye
Stay safe on the roads at Christmas time
As the festive season kicks off and our social calendars begin to fill up, it’s timely to remind everyone to take extra care on the roads.
Many of us will travel long distances in the coming weeks for Christmas get-togethers and we know the roads become increasingly busy during this time of year.
It’s critical that everyone plans their journeys, makes good decisions and looks out for each other on the roads to ensure we’re all present for our loved ones this Christmas.
In the excitement of festivities it can be difficult to keep track of how many alcoholic drinks we have consumed and we know consuming as little as one drink impairs your judgement.
If you’re planning on drinking any alcohol our advice is to plan a way home that doesn’t involve driving.
Some of us will travel on unfamiliar roads this summer so it’s important we all slow down, take regular breaks and drive to the weather and road conditions.
Let’s all work together to keep each other safe so we can all enjoy Christmas with our families and friends.