By PETER DOUGLAS
MANY Yarra Ranges traders fear the introduced public holiday next month will have a significant impact on their business.
As the Friday, 2 October, holiday looms, on the eve of the AFL Grand Final, the Mail has canvassed opinion regarding concerns over the potential for negative impact on the region’s economy.
A recent Australian Industry Group survey found the public holiday could cost the state at least $1 billion, with three-quarters of the state’s businesses opting to keep their doors closed.
This sentiment seems to echo that of the Yarra Ranges business communities, with John Newell from the Healesville Chamber of Commerce estimating it could cost the region hundreds of thousands of dollars over the next two years.
Meanwhile, John Coleman, from the Monbulk Business Network, conducted a brief poll on behalf of the Mail, with the overall response being “not in favour”.
Mr Coleman said much concern existed within the region.
“Some communicated that additional staff wages would make it too expensive to open their doors,” he said.
“Others said they would have to close and that it was bad for business.”
The Mail also sought opinion through social media channels.
Robyn Schimmy said, “Great, more tourists making our roads dangerous in the Yarra Ranges. Thanks politicians“.
Pete Steky said, “I’m not convinced about the day off. But I do think it might help tourism. Though, I think most interstate visitors would be hanging around Melbourne for the weekend. Why would they want to come our way if there’s more to do in the city?”
Linda Shambrook said, “I see it as a waste of a perfectly good working day, already having issues with staff not being available for Saturday, as they are making it a long weekend”.
After recently meeting with the Victorian Opposition Leader, Matthew Guy, the ‘Mail’ questioned the Liberal Party’s position on the holiday.
Although saying it could have a positive outcome for tourism-oriented areas such as the Yarra Ranges, he said it would be an overall drag on the Victorian economy.
Mr Guy didn’t state whether that, if re-elected, the Liberal Party is likely to scrap the public holiday, but admitted it had the potential to become a key election issue.
Meanwhile, Gembrook MP, Brad Battin, said the holiday would be a blow.
“This is just another example of an ill-considered Labor policy, rushed through with little regard for the consequences,” he said.
“Local small business owners are your neighbours, mums and dads trying to make a living while competing with big business and online trading.
“Friday is one of the busiest days for retail and hospitality businesses.”
A spokesperson for Monbulk MP, James Merlino said the Grand Final and Easter Sunday public holidays were “long-standing election commitments”.
“We took these policies to the election, the Victorian people voted for them and we will deliver them,” the spokesperson said.
“We are a government that delivers on its commitments.
“These new public holidays will be good for Victoria because they are good for families – if Matthew Guy is so opposed to these public holidays why don’t the Liberal Party commit to a clear position?”
Is the new holiday a winner or a blow for traders?
Email editor@mailnewsgroup.com.au.
