MARCH 25, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Traders call for help By Goya Dmytryshchak and Benjamin Millar Inner west residents and businesses are bracing for the worst amid warnings the nation faces the prospect of entering total lockdown to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus. Some businesses were shut down on Monday amid stricter social distancing measures and people are being asked to stay at home as the number of COVID-19 cases conirmed in Victoria by Monday passed 350 and the national tally soared past 1600. It comes as a parent from Newport Gardens Primary School last week tested positive to the virus and the statewide end of the school term was brought forward to Monday to enable teachers to plan for distant learning. Altona Village Traders Association liaison oicer Sharon Walsh said the unprecedented situation makes it essential that people pull together to share the load. “I think we are a really resilient village,” she said. “Everyone has to work together. “It’s not going to be easy but the last thing I ever want to see is no Pier Street.” Traders are calling on Hobsons Bay council to waive fees for outdoor furniture and are asking landlords to reduce rents. “For us – I’m talking predominantly Pier Street, Harrington Square, the strip shopping – they are in diabolical trouble, absolutely diabolical trouble,” Ms Walsh said. “his pandemic could be three months, six months, but some of these businesses, which are really mum and dad businesses, are not going to come out the other side. “I think everybody needs to pull together on this one. Small businesses are the backbone of the country. “Landlords play a huge role and should consider rent-free or at least a heavy reduction. “Our landlords need to, if they can, cut the rent. If they can’t, halve it – share the load a little bit. “Let’s waive the footpath-trading fees. Just anything that’s going to help these small businesses.” Hobsons Bay has waived parking meter fees for at least 90 days – which only applies to Williamstown – and is ofering to defer rates for small businesses. Yarraville Traders Association president Carla Smith said most businesses will remain open for as long as they can, but have introduced
Yarraville Traders Association president Carla Smith. (Damjan Janevski) 206672_02 Inset: Altona Village Traders Assocation president Kim Walsh with Laura Mercuri, owner of Pier 71 Bar e Cucina. (Damjan Janevski) 206732_04
much stricter hygiene and social distancing measures to protect customers and staf. “Places are encouraging payPass instead of money, hairdressers are spreading their business across shops and spacing people out, there’s a few places that have closed their doors like the op shop, their staf and clientele being typically older.”
Ms Smith said supermarkets and fresh food purveyors are working overtime to keep up with stock demand. “At this stage people are keeping the doors open to give that service to the community,” she said. “Maintaining calm is key. As soon as the government pulls the pin, everyone will do the
same. Really this is bigger than all of us.” Ms Smith said closing businesses for long stretches could send them to the wall unless adequate support is in place. “he government really needs to step in and help us out with funding.” ■ Coronavirus
impact: Pages 5-8
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