MOUNT Gambier’s peak independent business group will form a sub-committee to drive development and improvements in the central business district.
The move is expected to generate initiatives to address the issue of vacant buildings as well as capturing tourism opportunities and fostering growth.
Spearheaded by the Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce, the formation of the committee follows a survey of business operators who indicated overwhelming support for the initiative.
Chamber president Biddie Shearing said the initiative aimed to make the inner city precinct a “great CBD” and called on the business sector to “make it happen”.
“The chamber will be forming a Mount Gambier CBD sub-committee and will partner with council in actioning and facilitating the collaboration between business, landlords, council and our community,” Ms Shearing said.
The business leader said the CBD had to be “smarter and braver” to capture growth and new opportunities.
Ms Shearing said the feedback from the survey demonstrated the business community was supportive and there was momentum building for the initiative.
“We had pages and pages of feedback and really constructive ideas and there appeared to be genuine interest and engagement in the process,” she said.
“Ninety-five percent of respondents to the survey signalled their support for a coordinated group to facilitate positive change in the CBD of Mount Gambier.”
The survey also found 93pc of respondents also believed the vacant buildings in the CBD had a “negative impact” on other business.
“There is huge support for a camouflage campaign,” the business leader said.
Importantly, the chamber president said the survey respondents also gave valuable feedback regarding the chamber.
“It is a really good opportunity to have a listen about what is happening across the business community,” Ms Shearing said.
Other issues include the need to target tourism opportunities following 95pc of respondents stating weekend trade was “critical” for Mount Gambier’s multi-million dollar tourism market.
Nearly half of the survey’s participants indicated they traded on weekends and were “using targeted marketing” for tourism.
The membership of the new sub-committee – outlined in the terms of reference – will include a member of the chamber executive, a representative from Mount Gambier City Council and up to six other members.
The CBD sub-committee will report to the chamber executive at its monthly meetings and provide recommendations for action by October.
People interested in joining the new subcommittee are urged to contact Ms Shearing via email admin@mountgambierchamber.com.au
Individuals can also express their interest in joining the chamber board meeting.
