By CASEY NEILL
CAR parking remains a major sticking point for central Dandenong traders who are keen to see the shopping precinct grow.
The Dandenong Retail Traders’ Association (DRTA) asked where central Dandenong was headed at its forum last Tuesday, 8 April.
DRTA chairwoman Glenys Cooper said more than 40 people contributed to the forum and their thoughts were recorded to help the association with future programs.
“A lot weren’t members of the association but will become members now,” she said.
“There was a diverse member base there.
“They were very passionate. It was a lively discussion.
“It’s now about trying to keep that conversation going.”
Car parking was identified as a major issue facing retailers.
“The more infrastructure we put into Dandenong, the more we need to push that they put more car parking into Dandenong rather than using customer parking,” Ms Cooper said.
“We have a great main street but there are issues with car parking and the practicality of not being able to do right hand turns.”
She said retailers also raised concerns about diversity and big brands such as Officeworks, the Good Guys and Myer leaving central Dandenong.
“It makes it less interesting for customers to come into Dandenong,” she said.
Ms Cooper said participants highlighted 15 or 20 strengths of central Dandenong’s retail area.
However they said they were disappointed with the negative safety image that was perpetuated in the daily media.
“As a whole, we need to start putting good things on the map rather than highlighting the negatives that exist in many other suburbs as well,” she said.
Ms Cooper said Revitalising Central Dandenong had brought more people into the centre and created an opportunity for traders.
“We need to promote eateries and encourage workers into shops that have a uniqueness about them,” she said.
“A lot of workers won’t do grocery shopping during the day, so it probably needs to be those unique shops on their lunch break.”
She said DRTA needed to work more closely with Dandenong Market and Dandenong Plaza, and boost its own membership.
“We need to try and get more businesses coming together,” she said.
“The more members, the more strength we have.”
For more information about the DRTA, call Ms Cooper on 0417 394 722 or 9794 9397 or visit www.facebook.com/DandenongRetailTradersAssociation.
