Traders fight display ban

By Nicole Williams
LONSDALE street traders are petitioning Greater Dandenong council to revoke plans to ban footpath displays.
Forty-eight traders along the popular shopping strip have signed a joint letter opposing the ban, which was passed by the council on 13 August and will come into effect on 1 February 2013.
Qiang (Mark) Li, owner of the The Two Up Shop and organiser of the petition, said he hoped the letter would make council see the opposition.
“We organised the letter so the public (and council) know that the majority of people on Lonsdale Street don’t agree with council’s decision,” he said.
“We have 48 people who have signed and even if the traders don’t have the on-street displays, they support us,” he said.
The letter said the revitalisation of Lonsdale Street resulted in fewer parking spaces for traders, which was already affecting businesses, and a ban on footpath displays could see many businesses close.
“Many regular customers complained because of the parking problem, they have to leave here and go somewhere else,” the letter said.
“Now the council decision (to ban footpath displays) is going to attack and negatively influence the already struggling small businesses in this area.”
Greater Dandenong Director City Planning, Design and Amenity Jody Bosman said the council saw the introduction of new standards as an opportunity to improve and grow businesses.
“The trial is very much in line with the pedestrian-friendly atmosphere that council, Places Victoria and traders are working together on in revitalising central Dandenong,” he said.
“Council officers are working with the 20 businesses affected by the goods display prohibition trial in central Dandenong on alternative strategies to promote their business.”
Mr Li said he had been approached by many people who have backed the traders’ position.
“A lot of customers have told me that they support me,” he said.
“Not only one or two people – it is the majority of people.”
There are currently 20 traders with permits for footpath displays on Lonsdale Street.
The council will give traders until 31 January to allow them to maximise sales during the Christmas period.
“Officers will report back to council in the new year about the potential impact of both the ban in central Dandenong and the introduction of municipality-wide footpath display standards,” Mr Bosman said.
“The petition from 48 Dandenong traders will be considered as part of that process.”