NELSON Place traders in Williamstown say Hobsons Bay Council is reaping millions from parking fees and fines, and charges for outdoor furniture, without reinvesting in the “jewel of Hobsons Bay’s crown”.
Williamstown Chamber of Commerce president Sach Boseovski says it’s unfair that people have to pay to park in Nelson Place while side streets and other areas of Hobsons Bay are free.
And despite paying thousands in fees for outdoor furniture, the footpath is in such disrepair that tables and chairs can’t even balance, Mr Boseovski says.
“How can we compete with the Docklands? If I want to go there right now, to Harbour Town, I pay $5 [for parking] all day.
“If I come to Williamstown, Nelson Place, I’m going to pay $6-plus for a couple of hours.”
He said some traders were being slugged $3000 annually for outdoor tables, chairs, heaters, A-boards and other footpath furniture.
“There is not a strip in Hobsons Bay that is paying that much for the footpath. Give me a place that is so congested with cafes in Hobsons Bay: there isn’t any. Everyone’s paying something for that footpath, but then it’s a disgrace. You have to balance your chairs and tables.”
Atomic Bar owner Marty Grech, who pays about $3000 to have chairs and tables on the footpath, said parking costs and the strip’s poor image were affecting business.
“It’s the only strip in the whole west where you have to pay, apart from Footscray. The only other place within the Hobsons Bay Council is the Altona boat
ramp.”
Mr Grech said paying for parking until 10pm was also excessive.
“In the CBD, you only pay till six o’clock and after that it’s free. And the same with South Melbourne: $1.20 an hour and Sunday it’s
free.”
Hobsons Bay’s business and finance director Glenn O’Sullivan said the chamber’s budget submission was being considered.
■Seven submissions have been made about the proposed council budget due to be adopted on July 10.
