Mayoral Column 18th November 2021

Published on 15 October 2021

Period of change for Goulburn CBD

Goulburn’s CBD is undergoing a period of change, with a number of business movements and openings occurring throughout the previous quarter as evidenced by the recent CBD Vacancy Audit.

Vacancies across the CBD actually reduced between June and September, from 10.6% to 9.5%, however the period has seen a number of businesses unfortunately close their doors likely due to the effects of COVID-19. Two properties within the audit were also converted to residential, which has also affected the numbers.

The good news is that we are seeing new businesses opening up, and despite the tough past three months our vacancies in the CBD have actually reduced.

NOI Vietnamese, Hampton Love, Brow Lounge and Pacific Smiles Dental are all new businesses which have opened over the past couple of months. When walking down the main street we can see preparations are also underway for Linen House, Marima Medical Clinic and Silly Solly’s to open in the near future which is positive.

Unfortunately we did see some closures over the past few months such as Saltwater Dream and Kicks Footwear, and I know it has been a difficult time for many businesses in the region. I wish these people the best in the future, and hope to see new ventures take their place soon.

A significant redevelopment is also underway at the Goulburn Marketplace, which will increase the shopping centre from 11 to 17 available spaces for lease. It is unclear whether tenants have been secured for each of these.

Chamber of Commerce Business Awards

Last weekend the Goulburn Chamber of Commerce held the 2021 Business 2580 Awards, with an online event that was a great success. It is a credit to the Chamber that they have transitioned many of their meetings and events online over the past 18 months, and I think their engagement with the business community is at an all-time high at the moment.

They held an online nomination process for business awards in 16 categories this year, which highlighted some of the fantastic operators in our region. Congratulations to all of those businesses who were nominated, and particularly to the winners who were awarded on the night:

Restaurant, take away or café: K&GZ
Hairdresser or Beautician: Jason’s Barbershop and Beardery
Pub or Club: The Hibernian Hotel
Retail: Masala Mill
Automotive: Tyre Team Goulburn
Trade: JDY Electrical
Real Estate, Development & Housing: Goulburn First National Real Estate
Business Services: Studio 4 Signs & Designs
Training and Learning: TAFE NSW Goulburn
Media and Entertainment: Lilac City Cinema
Health, Fitness and Wellbeing: Lambert Karate Dojo & Family Fitness Centre
Community Services: PCYC Goulburn
Agricultural and Animal: Southern Tablelands Veterinary Hospital
Outstanding Start-up: Agent 2.0
Employer of Choice: Goulburn Solar Brokers
Outstanding Employee: Amanda McNamara (Studio 4)
People’s Choice: Lambert Karate Dojo & Family Fitness Centre
Next week’s Council agenda

On Tuesday we will host our final Council meeting before entering into the caretaker period prior to the elections in December. While in caretaker mode we will still hold meetings but are not able to enter into any contract for expenditure greater than $150,000, determine a controversial development application or appoint/reappoint a General Manager.

So as you would expect, we have a busy agenda planned for Tuesday. There are thirty one items on the agenda, and some of issues Council will be considering include:
Rescission motion for 35 Theatre Drive, Goulburn; Council refused this modification application at our last meeting
Veolia Host Fee and Performing Arts Centre Grant
Goulburn Mulwaree Award Working Party
Demographic trends for our region
The Operational Plan for the Goulburn Performing Arts Centre
Installation of solar street lighting in Clifford Street
A number of project updates

Our meetings are still closed to the public due to COVID-19, but will be webcast online as usual.