A Nicholson Street stakeholder group, requested by Bairnsdale traders and established by East Gippsland Shire Council, met last Wednesday to discuss future opportunities for the Nicholson Street Mall precinct.
The meeting brought together a selection of traders, property owners, representatives from all three tiers of government, the Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), police and community health representatives to consider both immediate priorities and longer-term opportunities for the precinct.
“The Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce is really keen to work with Council and business to resolve this matter quickly for the benefit of Bairnsdale,” BCCI president Trevor Hancock said.
The group resolved to create a dedicated taskforce to work with Council to develop ideas and report back to the stakeholder group within four to six weeks with a project plan.
The taskforce comprises: Brett Nielson – BFN Developments; Ian McCartney – trader (Complete Care Pharmacy); Trevor Hancock – Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce; Inspector Mark Rossiter – Victoria Police; East Gippsland Shire Council representatives.
The taskforce will help guide both immediate actions and longer-term planning for the Nicholson Street Mall precinct.
Last Tuesday, council considered a report on the Nicholson Street Mall precinct following a community petition calling for the area to be reopened to vehicle traffic.
Mayor Cr Ashworth said a range of actions were already underway to improve safety and amenity within the precinct, while Council also endorsed the establishment of a Nicholson Street Taskforce.
“We recognise the concerns raised by traders, workers and community members and have been working closely with stakeholders to address immediate issues,” Cr Ashworth said.
Council has implemented and supported a range of measures aimed at improving amenity and public safety, including:
– Increased collaboration with Victoria Police
– Closure of the frequently vandalised public toilet
– Activation through events and public art
– Enhanced cleaning, maintenance and vegetation management
– Confirmation of CCTV functionality
– Progressing options for relocation of the taxi rank
Council also reaffirmed its advocacy for an increased police presence in the mall precinct and other areas across East Gippsland where anti-social behaviour is a recognised issue.
“The Mall precinct has undergone significant change in recent years, including shifts in retail activity and trader profiles, contributing to lower levels of pedestrian activity and increased concerns around safety and anti-social behaviour,” Cr Ashworth said.
“We understand the impact ongoing anti-social behaviour is having on traders, businesses and the broader community, and we are committed to working collaboratively on practical solutions.
“The Nicholson Street Mall precinct remains an important part of the Bairnsdale CBD and any significant changes to the area, including the potential reintroduction of traffic, require careful investigation, planning and community consultation.”
Cr Ashworth said opening the mall to vehicle traffic may be part of the solution to addressing the change in use and behaviour in the mall.
“This must be considered within a wider context of improving activation in the area and not losing the potential this area also presents to act as a key civic space for the community and link between the CBD and Mitchell River. It would be a major infrastructure project requiring detailed technical investigations, design work and engagement with the community before any decision could be considered.
“Future consideration of reopening Nicholson Street between Bailey and Service streets would also need to examine activation, accessibility, economic opportunities and the long-term role of the precinct in the CBD.”
