THE unprovoked attack on a person at the CBD bus stop last week was revolting in all aspects. Reported in local media, a man walking past is hit by a flying kick to the head. He is left fighting for life. Seriously, enough is enough.<\/p>\n
The bus stop on Moorabool Street must change. Our local MP, Christine Couzens, has stated that \u201cher constituents prefer keeping the interchange on Moorabool Street.\u201d<\/p>\n
Apparently, our MP considers the \u2018\u2019Public Transport Users Association\u2019\u2019 her only constituents. The PTUA are the only advocates for the current location of the bus stop. She is completely ignoring the right to safety and needs of all other citizens who live, work or have businesses in the CBD.<\/p>\n
Recently, I did a walking tour of the Geelong CBD, accompanied by several members of parliament and the business owner of the piano bar, Andy Pobjoy.<\/p>\n
We interviewed multiple business owners, the common theme amongst all is that the bus stop is the main source of anti-social behaviour and the degenerative atmosphere that is currently impacting foot traffic, trade and jobs in the CBD.<\/p>\n
Mayor Stretch Kontelj has put up an alternative transport plan, where the buses terminate at the existing railway station terminal, under the watchful eye of PSO officers, and a shuttle bus service running from that location does a \u2018\u2019city loop\u2019\u2019 dropping off users around the city at multiple stops.<\/p>\n
This would not only increase access to medical and employment services but would also provide an opportunity for the currently dormant CBD to spring back to life. It makes sense.<\/p>\n
However, this is not an issue our council has authority over; this is purely a State Government, Department of Transport decision.<\/p>\n
So, as much as our mayor and councillors have been calling for this for years, without support from our member, Ms Couzens, this plan will not see the light of day.<\/p>\n
A similar situation has occurred at the location of the new Outpost, a charity to which Ms Couzens is a board member. The Outpost, a worthy cause, has been moved to a location abutting the Little Ryrie Carpark. A location that was beginning to thrive, with great businesses, caf\u00e9s and restaurants.<\/p>\n
However, Ms Couzens has placed this support facility in the middle of this precinct to the detriment of all surrounding businesses and users. People have been accosted while getting to their cars. The hundreds of young ladies using that carpark, after Pilates sessions at the nearby studios, are now avoiding the precinct, simply afraid. Vacancies are popping up where vibrant business once stood only six months ago. Some businesses have resorted to the costs of putting up fencing and employing private security to keep out the unruly behaviour impacting their properties, staff and customers.<\/p>\n
As you would be aware through my work with Lazarus, I support helping those disadvantaged, but there is a time and a place, and the needs of the few should not be put above the needs of the many. Something a person elected to have a say on legislation should recognise.<\/p>\n
Private investment in the CBD by the likes of the Hamilton Group and Batman Group continues to be the only shining light in the CBD. But private investment will only occur where it is financially feasible for it to happen. And the argument for continued investment is currently under more stress than ever. Foot traffic in the CBD is at an all-time low. Retail shop vacancy rates are currently at 22 per cent, compared to vacancies in Pakington Street, Geelong West four per cent and Newtown three per cent. Retail rental in the CBD achieves only an average of $250 psm, yet in Pakington St it is as high as $1000 psm. Even in High St Belmont, vacancy rates are five per cent and retail rental return is circa $400 psm. These statistics show that it doesn\u2019t matter how cheap you make the rent, businesses do not want to be in our CBD.<\/p>\n
Currently, we lack a \u2018\u2019value proposition\u2019\u2019 for any development or for any business to move into the CBD. Although planning approvals for more than 20 developments have been granted, none of these will be constructed until such a time that a \u2018\u2019value proposition\u2019\u2019 exists for people to want to live and work in the CBD.<\/p>\n
We need to create a place where people choose CBD living over outer suburbs, choose CBD retail shopping over Waurn Ponds and choose to come into the office in our CBD rather than working from home, where people have confidence, they can go and not only experience our wonderful city, but also feel safe to walk back to their cars. This will not happen alone; it’s deteriorated too much. The cry\u2019s of minority advocacy groups have been placed at a higher priority than the needs of the many – again and again.<\/p>\n
We need leadership from our state representative who understands the issues in Geelong and who has the capacity to balance the needs of the disadvantaged with the needs of the general public. We need leaders who don\u2019t just listen to small minority groups, but who care for the overall well-being of our city and are willing to represent all of us.<\/p>\n