COMPLIMENTARY parking finish at the end of February. Shepparton’s Chamber of Commerce & Industry urge Council to extend free parking bearing in mind the constant disruptions traders have faced.
“Although we have enjoyed four months of this initiative at the generosity of Council, it is due to finish at a time where businesses are probably worse off now than in the previous lockdowns,” Shepparton Chamber of Commerce & Industry president, John Anderson said.
Mr Anderson says the lack of government support for businesses, hospitality densities being reduced, and staff shortages due to infectious or close contact status have negatively impacted business, while people are reluctant to be shopping in public, not wanting to become infected. Furthermore, the disruption of the mall project has come at an unfortunate time for traders in the area.
Many business owners want to keep free parking. Intersport Shepparton owner, Gary (Nipper) Harvey said, “Free parking should definitely continue, at least until the Maude Street Mall works are complete. It’s a great incentive for shoppers.”
Andrew Prentice, director at SPC Food Factory Sales, said he has received lots of positive feedback about the complimentary parking.
“It has made a huge difference in getting people out of Shepparton. Council should defer turning parking machines on until a long-term decision has been made regarding parking.”
It is the Chamber’s opinion that an extension until a council survey can be undertaken would benefit both businesses and shoppers.
“Anything to send a lifeline to businesses and keep jobs is worth considering.,” Mr Anderson said.
