Small business group keen to pursue changes to dates, location

Written by PAM ZIERK-MAHONEY.

CONCERNS from small business traders in the Mansfield township regarding changes to the bush markets will be voiced at a round table discussion later this month.

Representatives from Mansfield Shire Council, Mansfield Bush Market Committee and the Mansfield Small Business Association (SBA) will meet in the hopes to settle long-standing concerns and misconceptions the markets do nothing for the town.

At SBA’s first annual meeting in November, shire chief executive officer, David Roff, addressed questions from members regarding the continuation of the bush markets and why council had recommended no changes in either moving the market from its present site or days of operation.

Mr Roff told the meeting council’s decisions on the bush market had been taken seriously and carefully.

However, in a letter sent to members following the meeting, SBA president David Penny stated "there has been some discussion that our issues with the weekend bush markets may be dropped and the fight discontinued".

"I would like to reassure you all we will not be letting go of those bush market concerns and we will continue the discussion with the new council and the bush market committee," Mr Penny said.

"This issue, has not, and will not be dropped from our agenda."

SBA had previously petitioned council to have the bush markets moved from a Saturday to a Sunday, relocated from Highett Street to the Botanic Park, and not operate on a holiday weekend.

Mr Penny informed members discussions would continue with council on what changes SBA would like to see to future markets.