What Do We Need, When Do We Want It?

Early Warning! Possible Anger Ahead.

I helped host the SW Small Business Awards on Saturday in Bunbury and what a fantastic night it was.

Congrats to not only the winners but everyone who was there to represent their business, whether small or larger, you are all winners for actually being able to maintain a business in this current economic climate. It ain't easy.

There is an ongoing discussion about the Bunbury CBD and after talking with several business owners on Saturday night I can honestly say the opinions vary as to what is wrong, how it's happened and who should be strung up for it, and of course, what we as a whole community want.

Let's get it right out of the road now shall we? 

I don't believe the dreaded parking meters are the problem.

Many times have we had this discussion about parking in the CBD, previously getting a parking spot in Victoria St was akin to winning lotto, because so many shop workers were parking there all day. Hence, the meters. 

"You killed the CBD!" Bollocks.

Is it a hassle sometimes, yes of course, however, even before they were there a solution to the woes was at hand.

It's called "park in the free parking areas, there are plenty in the CBD, and WALK 50 or 100 metres"

Before you howl me down, yes, I realise there are people who are older or unfirm but surely the majority of us are able to walk.

I hate to tell you this but if you want to go to the bank and you can't get a spot at the front door, Bunbury does not have a parking problem, what we may have is a laziness problem.

Think also about the fragmentation of shopping in the SW in even the last 5 years.

A whole new shopping centre at Treendale and Dalyellup, a huge upgrade for Eaton and Australind, The Parks Centre, The Plaza, so people have far more shopping closer to home.

What do we do then, it surely must come down to business owners who create ways of enticing customers into their business, and there are people and organisations to help with that process.

I'm lead to believe the council will make adjustments, a tweaking of policy if you will, that might at least create a different mind set for those so stuck on the idea that the parking meters are the main problem.

We'll know more after next week's council meeting.

Cliff Reeve