Hobsons Bay businesses will need to pay for outdoor trading infrastructure and space under a new framework proposed by council.
Altona Traders Association president Ilch Mickovaki, said thr proposed changes are unreasonable and not commercially viable, which means the end of outdoor dining in Altona.
“Council is making it difficult for traders to accept unviable commercial terms, to have infrastructure reinstalled at their own cost is not feasible,” he said.
“Walking down Pier Street and Harrington Square, you can see the parklets which people love.
“Everyone is disappointed, traders are especially disappointed with councils proposed framework.”
Mr Mickovaki said installing an outdoor dining section can cost up to $80,000 for some businesses.
“Traders will have to pay for the infrastructure, planning, re engineering, they will also have to go through a planning process with council, and pay $125 per square meter.”
Altona Traders Association is asking the community to provide feedback to council on where it wishes to have outdoor trading remain in Altona.
“If the community said ‘yes we want outdoor trading’, we can ask council what is fair, feasible and viable for traders to pay to have the infrastructure erected,” Mr Mickovaki said.
“All feedback on outdoor trading over the last few years has been positive, it has been an overwhelming majority of people who want to keep this space open.”
A council spokesperson said the outdoor trading program was a quick response to COVID to support local businesses, and this new framework is designed for a permanent solution.
“Council is currently seeking feedback from businesses and the community on the future outdoor trading framework,” the spokesperson said.
“The proposed framework that council has put forward for community feedback responds to feedback from businesses and stakeholders over the course of the last year. “
Jennifer Pittorino
