By Alison Noonan
CRANBOURNE traders have called for a set date for construction of the Cranbourne Bypass.
The demand was made at last week’s Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s quarterly dinner following discussions about Casey Council’s new Cranbourne Town Centre Structure Plan.
Chamber member Don Metcalf spoke on behalf of the chamber when he welcomed the push to construct the bypass.
“The highest priority is the bypass so that the through road function of High Street can be reduced.
“The heavy truck traffic is choking the growth of the retail centre and we need to control the traffic.
“We need some certainty and a date needs to be set for its construction.
“Either it’s going to happen or it’s not because there is land sitting there that could be developed,” he said.
He said the Chamber supported council’s plans for the future of the town centre, describing the Structure Plan as ‘flexible and pragmatic’.
However, he said he believed the vision to increase office space was unachievable due to the large amount of existing vacancies.
Victorian Small Business Commissioner Mark Brennan also delivered an educational and enlightening talk about the workings of the commission in protecting small business owners.
Guests were informed about their rights and legal avenues available in regards to unfair market practices.
“Our key messages are to provide information and education, investigate unfairness, dispute resolution and review of government practices.
“We have a 74 per cent dispute resolution rate and offer low cost mediation to resolve any issue that has business connotations,” he said.
Chamber president Derek West informed traders that a jazz band had been organised after the MRA GP Run in a bid to encourage visitors to remain in the High Street after the motorcycles had left.
He said the entertainment helped local traders.
“We were concerned that the crowd usually disperses after the race so hopefully this will encourage a few more to stick around and spend money in the shops,” he said.
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne divisional director Chris Russell updated guests on the development of the Australian Garden, which he said would eventually become ‘the must see Australian plant experience’.
“This is the most significant botanic development in Australia for some decades and aims to show that Australian plants can be used in just as exciting ways as exotic plants.
“The first stage will hopefully open in May 2006.
“It will become an international tourist destination that will bring significant economic benefits for the region via capital and tourist spending,” he said.
