Published on Thursday, 13 July 2017 at 12:00:00 AM
Results from a recent survey have once again confirmed Mid West Chamber of Commerce & Industry members are in favour of extended general retail trading hours in the City of Greater Geraldton.
The Chamber advised the City earlier in the week that more than 190 of its members took part in the survey, which resulted in 67 per cent voting in support of a 12-month trial of extended trading hours that align with Metropolitan Perth.
Currently small and speciality businesses in Geraldton can trade on Sundays and most public holidays if they choose, however, larger retailers are currently prevented from doing so.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said this is a step in the right direction.
“Our community has told us what they want now on numerous occasions and that’s extended trading hours in Geraldton,” he said.
“The Chamber’s survey results is positive news and strengthens their survey conducted earlier in the year that favoured extended general retail trading hours. The City also had an independent survey conducted, which showed that 74 per cent of our community is also in favour.
“Both survey results are compelling and send clear messages to all local and state government politicians that this is what our community wants.
“Extending retail hours will also benefit cafes, restaurants, hospitality, entertainment, take-away food and tourism businesses. Apart from improving lifestyle and amenity for our residents, it will assist Geraldton in becoming more cruise ship, tourist and RV friendly, which will also boost our local economy.”
NOTES TO EDITOR:
- Both surveys came after Council resolved to seek approval from the Minister for Commerce for a 12-month trial for extended trading hours, aligned with Perth, hoping to begin in July this year.
- The process for the application slowed down due to the Department requesting additional information from the City and the Chamber, seeking to ensure that Geraldton people understood the details of the particular trading hours of Perth, to be trialled in Geraldton.
- This required the City to commission an independent firm to conduct a survey of Geraldton residents by telephone, and the Mid West Chamber of Commerce & Industry mounted an online survey of its members. Both surveys provided the exact details of current Metro Perth general retail trading hours.
- In final submissions, the City has now suggested commencing the 12-months trial in August, seeking approval from the Minister for Commerce on the basis of confirmation of very strong support from the Community, and from members of the Chamber.
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