TRADERS remain in limbo over the relocation of the Footscray Road fresh fruit and vegetable market as costs blow out and the project runs years behind schedule.
A Victorian Auditor-General’s report
tabled in Parliament last week found an operational market is still at least two years away.
The expected cost to the state government is more than double the $300million included in the 2004 business case.
The market, with an annual turnover of more than $1.6billion, is being moved from its home of 43 years in Footscray to Epping.
It was originally planned to happen in 2008, but the report by Auditor-General Des Pearson concluded that “… poor project implementation and stakeholder management has resulted in significant delays and cost overruns, and has damaged the government’s reputation”.
“Issues relevant to the tenants’ decision to relocate to Epping have not been resolved and they are still not committed to the move. As a result, the relocation is not assured,” the report stated.
John Roach, CEO of fresh fruit and vegetable wholesalers peak body Fresh State, said the market relocation had been “a stuff-up from day one”.
“The report reflects what traders felt all along. A project to be completed in 2008 will be completed a minimum six years late.”
Mr Roach called on the government to clarify when the move would happen, the rents traders would be charged and what other costs would be incurred.
“What traders don’t know is what their rents will be; they can’t make business decisions.
“The lack of information is frustrating and people can’t plan their businesses. This government is 16 months in [office] and nothing has changed.” -Grant Reynolds
