Port Macquarie-Hastings Council puts draft Markets Policy on public exhibition

Businesses and community members have until October 21 to lodge submissions in response to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s draft Markets Policy.

Jill McKittrick from Ewetopia Farm, speaking at the September council meeting, acknowledged the council sought a policy to guide decisions about applications for markets.

“I don’t believe that this policy provides the right framework for these decisions,” Mrs McKittrick said.

“My primary concern with the policy is that it appears to be driven by the premise that markets always have a negative impact on retail businesses.”

She referred to a report compiled by the Sage market on the South Coast which presented research showing an increase in spending at retail business as a direct result of people attending the weekly market.

“It also suggests that people are drawn from a wider area to attend the market and that there is a flow-on benefit to retail businesses as a result,” Mrs McKittrick said.

Meanwhile, the Port Central Real Food Market, for example, encourages people to support local growers and boost retail trade by attracting people for the market.

Mayor Peta Pinson said the council was putting the draft policy out for community consultation.

“It’s really an opportunity for the council to improve on the status quo,” she said.

Cr Pinson encouraged people to have their say to help the council create a strong policy that benefited everyone.

Cr Rob Turner said he was looking forward to the submissions and working through the matter.

Cr Geoff Hawkins said it was very healthy to get the feedback.

A report to the September council meeting said markets were widely acknowledged as helping create vibrant community meeting places but could also raise concerns around matters such as their impact on existing retailers.

The report said exhibition of the draft Markets Policy would act as a mechanism to gather further business and community feedback on our local approach to market approvals.

“Ideally this will ensure we can facilitate well managed markets that help to support and contribute to our community and complement the offerings of local businesses,” the report said.

The draft policy covers all markets on council-owned and managed land.

It applies to new markets and when an existing market is undergoing major change or seeking an extension to an approval.

People can have their say on the draft policy online, send an email to council@pmhc.nsw.gov.au or post a response to the general manager, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, PO Box 84, Port Macquarie, NSW, 2444.

A report detailing submissions and the proposed next steps will be tabled at the November council meeting.

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