By Callum Ludwig
The traders located on the shopping strip in Yarra Junction have been doing it tough recently, after being smashed by floods just weeks ago and having already dealt with the tumultuous Covid period as we all did.
Current Eildon MP and Liberal Party candidate for Eildon Cindy McLeish has announced a $200,000 upgrade for the strip if the Liberals and Nationals are elected at the 26 November State Election.
Ms McLeish said the best way to move forward is by backing local initiatives in local communities.
“This investment will encourage local shopping and boost the pride and appeal of our local shopping village. The first step is to give local traders positive and practical support so they can stay open and grow their business,” she said.
“Only the Liberals have a plan to give small businesses across the state the confidence and certainty they need.”
The potential upgrade would be delivered in direct consultation with local traders and Yarra Ranges Council and could include public realm upgrades, facade upgrades, improved landscaping and street furniture to
support outdoor dining opportunities and the design and planning stages for rear retail carpark upgrades with tree planting, soaker garden beds and sealed finishes.
A unified vision for the future of Yarra Junction could also be developed to strengthen it as a Relief Centre in local emergencies.
The commitment is part of the Victorian Liberals and Nationals’ $30 million Local Shopping Strip Recovery Plan.
Labor candidate for Eildon Jane Judd said unfortunately most of these so-called promises are neither costed nor approved by the relevant and responsible Department.
“They are media grabs for attention. It is easy to make promises from the Opposition when you don’t have to deliver. Cindy has been a member for 12 years. It is time for a change. If elected as the member for Eildon, I will have a seat at the Andrew’s Government table and I will argue forcefully for the electorate and any allocation of funds will be after a comprehensive and objective needs-based assessment, not to catch votes,” she said.
“All townships have strip shopping precincts that need support, many need more staff. It has never been a better time to ask your local business for part-time work. All businesses are doing it tough and as locals, we need to buy locally whenever we can, especially in the lead-up to Christmas if we want to avoid For Lease signs, in more empty shops. I want to commend the initiative of the Rotary Club in Healesville which developed and fully funded a Business Guide for 100 local traders to assist them to achieve economic sustainability. We are fortunate to have strong community groups with vision in the Shire of Yarra Ranges”
