Businesses want support

The Warragul Business Group is urging residents to continue to shop local, no matter what they think of streetscape works.

WBG vice president David Cann was involved with the project reference group set up by Baw Baw Shire to assist with the design of streetscape works throughout the town.

In light of criticism and concerns raised in The Gazette and social media, Mr Cann said he has one key message to local shoppers – “whether you like it or hate it, don’t take it out on the businesses because they are doing the best in the circumstances they are provided with.”

“If you’re a customer and you don’t like what the council has done, remember we are still trying to run businesses,” he said.

Mr Cann said plans for improving traffic, including one way traffic in Smith St, had been discussed for the past 10 years.

He said he was disappointed the business community was not more strongly represented on council’s project reference group, with the WBG allowed two representatives the same as the CFA, historical society and other groups.

“All we want is some consideration that the end result won’t put businesses under through no fault of their own.

He said he was concerned about people indicating through social media that they would no longer shop locally because of the streetscape works.

“The jury is still out on Palmerston St. It’s not horrendous but it certainly hasn’t made that part of the cbd paradise either.

“In three years time we might say it (the one way traffic) was the best thing ever done but we just don’t know that. Time will tell,” he said.

Mr Cann said many businesses raised concerns about the design but the general response from council throughout the process was all the works had to be completed before they could see how it worked.

“Council is saying theoretically what should work but we don’t know it will. It’s okay for them to see how it goes but if it has a detrimental impact on business that is unfair,” Mr Cann said.