Little India’s little help

By Nicole Williams
LITTLE India traders can start the year off a little easier with Planning Minister Matthew Guy announcing six months’ rent relief.
The minister met with traders on Christmas Eve to announce the rent relief package, to be offered in conjunction with Places Victoria (formerly VicUrban).
Planning Minister spokesman Nicholas McGowan said Mr Guy had put Places Victoria on notice to provide a plan for the future of the district within six months and also organised the Small Business Commissioner to work with traders to mediate lease terms.
“The minister understands that is only the beginning but it is an important one,” Mr McGowan said.
“He takes the issue very seriously and is working towards being able to give the traders some certainty in the next six months.”
“It is nonetheless still a subject of ongoing discussion to come to a resolution that serves to provide the traders will stability,” he said.
Sajjad Ur Rehman, vice-president of the Foster Street Traders Association said the result was pleasing but it was not enough.
“It is good that something is happening but they should come up with a little bit more so everyone is happy and they can concentrate more on their business,” he said.
A Places Victoria spokesperson confirmed it would provide Little India traders six months’ rent relief in line with the government’s announcement.
“Over that time we will be examining the project more generally and looking at options to provide the traders with greater certainty,” the spokesperson said.
The announcement follows a protest by Little India traders on the steps of Parliament on 6 December.