After publishing Empty shopfronts in last week’s edition of the Bunbury Mail, feedback came thick and fast from community members with opinions and ideas on the issue via emails and comments on Facebook.
Many raised concerns over the parking situation in Bunbury’s CBD and said although the current trial of free parking for the first two hours was better the damage had already been done when people had to pay for parking.
One Facebook user went so far as to suggest the meters should be ripped out all together to show the City of Bunbury’s commitment to activating the CBD, with another pointing out that both Busselton and Margaret River operate without them.
Another suggested that shop owners should be charged a penalty rate by council in order to motivate them to do something with the space, something that has been adopted by the City of Fremantle.
Several community members also voiced the opinion of high rents being a major hurdle for small businesses with one suggesting for shop owners to offer pop-up shop options for start-ups to try.
One woman suggested a think tank or public forum for like minded professionals to work with council in the name of generating excitement and progress for Bunbury and said it was important for everyone in the community to work together in supporting businesses.
Late night street performers, markets in the city centre and updating the tourist centre were also discussed, with the level of engagement making it clear the people of Bunbury agree there is a problem and they want to help come up with solutions.
Have your say – What do you think could help with Bunbury’s empty shops?
