“YOU can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs”.
It’s a simple sentiment, but for Monbulk traders it’s one to live by.
Shoppers will have noticed the changing streetscape of the town in recent weeks and traders couldn’t be happier.
Travelscene’s Jenny Watson said the works would make Monbulk a vibrant and lively town where people would enjoy shopping and socialising.
“We didn’t have a beautiful streetscape before,” Ms Watson said. “But Monbulk will be fantastic once the works are over.”
She said the project was sure to boost business in the area and make shopping in the town a better experience.
Monbulk Business Network President John Coleman said he was disappointed the works had received some negative publicity and said that while the works might be an inconvenience for now, the improvements were well worth it.
“You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs,” he said.
“But we’ve had so much positive feedback from traders.
“In our business network alone, not one business is against it and the council has been wonderful in the way they have included businesses and local groups in the planning of it all.”
He said the changes might take a little while for shoppers to get used to, but the only way was up.
“I went into the Melbourne CBD a few weeks ago and someone said to me that they heard good things were happening in Monbulk,” he said.“And they are – we’re just so excited.”
He said it was disappointing that some in the town had been negative about the works.
“These people are free to have their say, but to say the council didn’t consult us is just not true,” he said.
“The council officers spent hours and hours in the town talking to shoppers, shopkeepers and even met with a number of groups in the area to keep everyone in the loop.”
The Habi Goddess owner Jodie Maloni said the works were exciting for her as a new shop owner in the area.
“It makes Monbulk different to the rest of the towns in the area,” she said.“When I first came to town I was worried about how quiet it was, but these streetscapes have already brought people back into the town, even just to have a coffee at the cafes and the changes mean people will be more inclined to stay in town and use the other shops too.”
