Traders demand bluff halt
A GROUP of Queenscliff traders clashed with the local council during a fiery meeting last night.
The traders — all based in the vicinity of the town’s main street — are urging the Borough of Queenscliffe to halt plans to develop Shortland’s Bluff.
The demand stems from concerns that existing businesses could suffer from the development, which will include a new 40-seat cafe and information centre.
The plans form part of the $6 million Destination Queenscliff project, with construction set to begin next year.
A petition was handed to the Borough of Queenscliffe last week, with 22 signatures from traders based in Hesse St and the immediate surrounds.
The traders have called on the council to suspend its pro- ject timelines until “genuine” consultation takes place with local businesses and residents.
They are also urging the council to prioritise improvements to Hesse St before developing Shortland’s Bluff and the marina precinct.
About 30 traders packed a meeting at Shelter Shed last night, with several representatives from the council, including Mayor Susan Salter.
Business owners used the opportunity to argue they had not been properly consulted about the planned development.
Circa 1902 co-owner Chris Dinneen said it seemed traders on Hesse St were an “afterthought” for the council.
“Traders are feeling left behind,” he said.
“There needs to be more of a personal relationship that honours and respects traders on the main street.”
Cr Salter said Destination Queenscliff was aimed at get- ting passing traffic to stop in the town, which she said would benefit all local businesses.
However, several traders said it was unfair that they would be forced to compete against a council-run oceanfront cafe.
The petition will be tabled at tonight’s monthly council meeting.
A report prepared by Borough officers recommends councillors dismiss the petition, saying “extensive” community consultation had taken place since 2006.
It also said any suspension of the project could jeopardise funding arrangements with State and Federal governments.