ACT government announces financial assistance for Canberra businesses affected by light rail construction
Businesses impacted by light rail construction between the city and Commonwealth Park are being offered targeted assistance by the ACT government.
Some businesses say the work, which began early this year and includes road closures and diversions, is hurting trade.
One business owner says they've lost $45,000 in one month of the construction and is pleading for the relevant ministers to at least sit down with operators.
The assistance package announced today includes free parking Wednesday to Sunday from 5:30pm at nearby car parks, outdoor dining permit fee waivers from July 1, new CCTV cameras to improve safety and an advertising campaign to promote businesses in the area.
Night-Time Economy Minister Tara Cheyne says the funding will help businesses who are struggling to stay afloat.
"By providing fee relief, enhancing public safety, and backing local activations, we're helping ensure these businesses remain destinations of choice, even during construction," Ms Cheyne said.
"These initiatives are designed to encourage locals and visitors alike, to support our incredible hospitality sector.
"There is no substitute for patronage. I encourage Canberrans to get out across the city to explore and enjoy your favourite bars, restaurants and shops."
Ant Arena, who owns five venues based on London Circuit, welcomed the announcement but argued it falls short of the financial support needed.
Mr Arena's business experienced a $45,000 loss last month, and he said waiving outdoor fees that amounted to about $2,000 [per year] wouldn't go far enough.
"If I'm losing money hand-over-fist because of things that they're doing, then I don't want to be paying any of those taxes and fees," he said.
"The parking is … helpful — but it's not super helpful, I don't think it's going to move the needle that much."
Business Minister Michael Pettersson said the package was developed in consultation with traders and industry representatives.
Though businesses were briefed by the government over the weekend, Mr Arena said consultation could be better.
"I've got five venues in that building — I haven't heard from [Mr Pettersson] once," Mr Arena said.
"I've asked for financial support, in particular around the taxes and the fees that we're subjected to … We get a flat 'no' continuously on that.
"The government does not want to give up any of their revenue because they feel like that's not right, yet they're happy to take our revenue away."
Mr Arena said he believed the government did not recognise the scale of financial pressure faced by venues in the area annually, due to expenses like public liability insurance.
"The government is oblivious to how our businesses operate and the impacts that their decisions have."
Treasurer Chris Steel said the government's goal was to stimulate activity in the area, making financial support unnecessary.
But he acknowledged that the construction would continue to cause disruption.
"We certainly know that light rail stage 2A is going to disrupt the community, particularly hospitality businesses," Mr Steel said.
"The package ... is really about saying to the community, these businesses are open, and it's really important that everyone gets out and supports them.
"It's been very clear from the beginning, as we engage with the businesses and through our written partnership plan, direct financial assistance wasn't on the table."
Mr Steel said was happy to meet with business owners like Mr Arena.
"There's been engagement for many years about this project, and many of the businesses I know are very supportive of the project and the benefits it will provide in providing a better connected CBD, a more vibrant place for them to do their business, particularly in hospitality," he said.
"But of course, it has become a lot more real over the last few months, and so some of the suggestions that businesses came with — like providing free parking for their patrons to attract more people into the city centre — we were really happy to consider, and we hope that that will make a difference, and we'll continue listening to them as well."
In light of the recent closure of a number of venues in the city, Independent MLA Thomas Emerson has been pushing the government to roll out additional measures — including establishing a Night-Time Economy Coordinator, to act as a single point of contact who can work across multiple portfolios.
He said Ms Cheyne's role as Attorney-General as well as Night-Time Economy Minister meant her attention was divided.
"Someone who's actually really looking to partner with bookers and venue managers and artists to activate the city."
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