Letter to the editor: Not in the best interest of local businesses

Dear News from the region,

The Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce has concerns about the Council’s considerations in granting permits to operators in the Council-managed public space at the Jetty Foreshores.

The Chamber understands that independent vendors/traders wishing to operate permanently within the Jetty Foreshores must first apply for approval and obtain a Council licence. However, we believe that the Harbourside Market operator has complete autonomy to accept any vendor (stallholder) they choose, even if that vendor is from outside our LGA (local government area).

It seems incomprehensible that our council leaders, Mayor Paul Amos and his Chief Executive, Natalia Cowley, have not considered the impact of this and ensured that staff in the execution of the market operator contract have guidelines in place to ensure that vendors/stallholders do not disadvantage our local businesses.

An example of this is a fishmonger from outside this LGA opening a business less than 400 metres from the Coffs Harbour Fishermen’s Co-op.

Our local ‘Fishing Cooperative’:

· More than 36 employees, all locally based.

· Supports 42 fishermen and their families in the purchase and processing of their fresh fish and seafood.

· Injects over $9m into the community with purchases from other companies. Wholesalers, retailers etc.

· Another $4 million will come from infrastructure management and maintenance costs, not to mention the $66,000 in municipal taxes.

· Supports local charities up to $10,000. Service clubs, Pink Silks, Westpac Helicopter, sports clubs and several other smaller charities.

· Our cooperative is very socially involved and its continued existence is essential for the local business community.

The out of town supplier in question collects all products from South West Rocks.

They have no involvement with the local population and the proceeds from the sales are spent outside this community.

They add no real value to this community, other than the symbolic fee that the market organizers ask for.

The Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce is calling on the council to review its agreement with the Harbourside Market to ensure local businesses are not disadvantaged.

Regards,
Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce.