Published on Monday, 6 May 2024 at 10:00:00 AM
The City of Albany has launched their Retail Trading Hours survey today which aims to gauge support, potential impact, and sentiment regarding Albany's current trading hours.
With the last community consultation on this subject taking place in 2013, the City is preparing to go back to the community and understand whether time has changed the views of residents.
The survey will ask if the community supports allowing general retail shops to trade on Sunday and on weeknights all year round.
The City acknowledges that retail trading has been a topic of contention for many years and aim to drive a high survey response rate with the objective of obtaining a comprehensive outcome.
Aspects such as changes in demographics, the local economy, working structures and other issues that are regularly raised by the community will be considered alongside the response to the survey.
If the Council supports any changes to the existing trading hours, the City must formally request them from the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, providing evidence of community consultation as required by legislation.
If the community prefers to maintain Albany's current retail trading hours, no action will be needed from the City.
Mayor Stocks said he encourages all residents to take part in this period of community consultation.
“Retail trading in Albany is a subject that the Council take very seriously,” he said.
“The survey results will inform the Council's decision on the future of Albany’s retail trading, so it is important for our residents to have their say, so that we are making an informed decision.
"Our residents' time is valuable, so the survey is designed to be brief and simple, allowing the community to easily voice their opinions without sacrificing their free time."
If supported by community, changes to Albany’s existing trading hours will apply to general retail stores, categorised by having more than 6 owners, owners that operate more than 4 other retail stores, have more than 25 people working at one time and sells goods outside of those listed for a Special Retail store.
The community consultation survey will be available to residents from 6 May to 31 May via the City of Albany website, or https://bit.ly/AlbanyRetailTradingHoursSurvey
ENDS
Media Liaison
[email protected]
6820 3009 or 0436 804 664
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