Correcting the record on Albert Street

OPINION

 

BY JULIANA ADDISON

MEMBER FOR WENDOUREE

 

I WISH to set the record straight regarding my role in supporting the Albert Street, Sebastopol small businesses impacted by the critical roadworks currently underway in the area and call out the falsehoods printed about me.

My father ran a small business in Ballarat for decades and I have the utmost respect for small business owners and operators. That is why I am working with State Government ministers and departments to support the Albert Street traders.

I visited Curbside Cafe to hear directly how that business was being impacted on 31 May and then spoke the Department of Transport on the same day to accelerate the removal of the gawk screens.

I visited again the very next morning to share that news.

Further, I have now met with the traders’ group on three occasions with the Minister for Small Business, Jaala Pulford, and representatives of DoT, to hear complaints, discuss requests for compensation for property damage and loss of earnings, and importantly – update the traders on the roadworks.

The first meeting of this group was held on 29 June, and meetings have been held fortnightly since, with the most recent meeting on Monday, 25 July.

As a local MP, I take my role and responsibilities very seriously.

I will continue to work towards progressing the issues raised and helping these businesses get back on their feet.

Whilst I can’t always deliver the outcome constituents want due to legislative matters, I will always explore every option to try and achieve a positive outcome.

This is the case for these small businesses. Further, I encourage everyone across Ballarat to go out of their way to support Albert Street traders.