Traders need to be in loop
IT is no secret Australia is in the middle of an infrastructure tsunami.
The Federal Government has committed to $100 billion in projects over the next 10 years, with scope to increase this amount by bringing other projects forward. Victoria is undergoing the “big build” on major roads and rail projects and Geelong is set to benefit through the City Deal and the fast rail project over time.
The combination of low borrowing costs and the need to prop up a sluggish economy makes it the perfect time to invest in nation building projects that deliver long-term benefits.
On top of the large amounts of government investment, Geelong is also seeing a boom in commercial property and there is an extensive pipeline of large private developments coming through. Our exploding population needs homes and we are about to see the start of the northern and western growth corridors that should deliver important construction jobs and provide entry level roles for young people and disadvantaged groups.
While all this growth keeps people in work and continues to build our city into a modern and progressive community, not everyone benefits.
In many cases, local traders and businesses are significantly affected by the disruption caused by building projects. These projects can often have a real impact on their takings for extended periods with little or no compensation, in many cases without even notice.
A recent chamber survey revealed poorly communicated disruption to businesses from infrastructure projects was a significant concern.
One of our Moorabool St traders told us about having their footpath closed without warning, reducing their daily takings by 40 per cent over almost two weeks. This kind of impact on businesses is unacceptable and not providing a reasonable level of notice is simply wrong.
The City of Greater Geelong’s motion to remove a bike lane and reintroduce parking spaces to the Malop St green spine requires further consultation. This will impact on local traders who have already endured a lengthy construction process and they deserve the right to carry on with their business.
Small businesses employ about half of everyone employed and many of those are entry level roles, including many young people’s first job. We need to protect these businesses and we must reduce the effect new construction projects have on them.
In capital cities, large infrastructure projects tend to have safeguards in place to protect the interests of local businesses who are impacted by the change. In Geelong, we are seeing local traders given little consideration, there needs to more support during disruptive phases.
Specific efforts to encourage shoppers to shop around constructions, pop up activations, temporary attractions and increased marketing efforts could allow those business to cope with the shortterm discomfort as long as they received the right level of information throughout the project.
Infrastructure projects that contribute to the growth of our city are a very good thing but developers need to take the time to keep local businesses informed about the impacts on their businesses and ensure that traders are not first informed by erecting a fence to close off their footpath and block out their customers.
Ben Flynn is chief executive of Geelong Chamber of Commerce. geelongchamber.com.au