By Jamie Salter
The Covid-19 pandemic took its toll on all local businesses from retail, hospitality, tourism operators, and professionals but business owners are bouncing back and are planning for the future.
The Eastern Dandenong Ranges Association (EDRA) is a volunteer run local business and tourism group representing Cockatoo, Emerald, Gembrook, Menzies Creek and Upper Beaconsfield among others.
EDRA recently held a Q and A Business Breakfast at the Puffing Billy Lakeside Visitor Centre in Emerald to help business owners address the growing popularity of local spending and tourism.
Guest speakers included Puffing Billy chief executive officer Peter Abott, Mainstreet Australia urban planner Stephen Sully, Industry Capability Network’s Andy Balmain and Cardinia Shire Council economy manager Andrew Pomeroy.
Attendees had the opportunity to network over a provided hot breakfast and put questions to the panellists.
With Casey and Cardinia shires about to see major growth over the next 20 years, residents will be looking to escape their homes and travel to popular destinations.
Mr Pomeroy said growth will occur around EDRA businesses, causing the popularity of retail and hospitality trade to boom.
“We’re looking at the size of three Ballarat’s joining us over the next 15 to 20 years living in homes with 420 square metre blocks and they’ll want to get out of their houses and do things,” Mr Pomeroy said.
“There’s a large amount of people that will look for somewhere to go and EDRA is 20 minutes away.”
Mr Balmain of Industry Capability Network explained how the agency works with the Victorian Government to engage local industry for construction and other projects and Mr Sully of Mainstreet Australia shared how the member based organisation advocates for the ongoing survival of main streets and town centres.
“Mainstreet works with state and local government to get those agencies to recognise the value of main streets and business associations as great partners to work with,” Mr Sully said.
“We provide networking, professional development and advocacy and recently got the State Government to give money directly to business associations.
“There are 698 main streets across Victoria that employ upwards of 390,000 people so if they work collectively they’re a major part of Victoria’s economy.”
Puffing Billy’s Peter Abott discussed his plans to present new experiences to the public that will create a flow-on effect as rail passengers stop and spend at EDRA businesses.
“Our model is changing to encourage longer or overnight trips,” Mr Abott said.
“Our focus is not just to grow passenger numbers but to have a economically sustainable railway for our workforce.”
