DEAR Editor
I would like the opportunity to refute accusations that were made following the Drag Strip saga that I am anti-business. I was raised in small businesses and I understand the incredible investment, both financial and in ongoing hard work that it takes. With competition from online sales and with higher interest rates reducing available cash, council needs to be proactive in the next term to support small business.
Commercial properties currently have a 30 per cent extra charge on their rates compared to other properties. This is not the Swan Hill Inc special charge, but a 30 per cent added charge. In my opinion this is an anti-business policy, and I will be arguing that it be removed when the rating review occurs with the new council.
Many residents may not realise that commercial rates are not paid by the property owner if it is tenanted, but by the lessee, the businessperson, so the extra charge is a deterrent to small business.
I would encourage council to implement shopping schemes to attract shoppers from the wider region to Swan Hill, things like offering free outdoor pool or Pioneer Settlement entry if a family from outside the municipality spends a Shopping at Swan Hill card for more than $200. The goal is to make shopping and spending weekends an enjoyable and regular trip for regional shoppers.
I believe it would be valuable to encourage higher density accommodation and apartments to our CBD, both self catering accommodation and permanent apartments.
More people will bring life to the CBD and support the restaurants.
If the Goshen mine goes ahead, there will be large numbers of workers required to build the mine and processing plant and to provide ongoing labour. I favour accommodation within Swan Hill and preferably close to the CBD, not a camp out of town. Again, more people means more business and a higher spend.
Another important key action is to attract shoppers from the larger centres. For this to happen we need to attract the businesses to Swan Hill that people are travelling to Mildura and Bendigo to access. Although it will mean more competition, in the long run, the increased traffic will support the CBD and smaller shops, and hospitality venues.
In regard to the Drag Strip issue, I never voted against leasing the Drag Strip site. I voted that we advertise that Expressions of Interest be submitted, so that any interested party could apply and the applications be assessed by staff, by following our policies. This was the recommendation of the report and in line with our leasing and procurement policies. To follow correct policies would have added about one month to the process.
It is an important principal that all businesses have an equal opportunity to apply to provide council business, through tendering or expressions of interest. Likewise, with the leasing council owned facilities, or property. Assessments of tenders and applications should be done at arm’s length from councillors. Although it is an attractive concept to “cut through red tape” and “get things done”, in the long run it is important that all businesses have a fair go from council.
It would appear that councillors who voted to follow the guidelines are being punished, which is a dangerous precedent. Communities need strong councillors who can confidently make decisions without fear or favour.
Nicole McKay
