5 days ago
Melbourne wholesale market rental dispute ends after angry protests
Months of protests and legal threats at Melbourne's wholesale market have ended in a fresh deal for stallholders.
The Victorian government-run Melbourne Market Authority (MMA) in Epping said it had signed leases with all 17 stallholders involved in the dispute, ending eight months of bitter tensions.
It comes after vendors were threatened with legal action if they did not sign a revised rent deal in April this year.
The dispute began in October last year when the authority revealed rents for traders would rise between 6 and 7.6 per cent each year for 10 years.
That sparked an angry protest from stallholders and concerns about fresh produce costs skyrocketing for consumers.
MMA chair Peter Tuohey said all 17 tenants have agreed to new lease terms.
"We're pleased to have reached a resolution that provides our tenants with clarity about their future at the market," he said.
"We know it's been a challenging period, but this outcome provides stability and certainty and allows the market to focus on what it does best, getting the freshest fruit and vegetables out to Victorians."
In April, the Valuer-General declared a compromised rate of yearly rent increases of between 2.4 per cent and 3.6 per cent for vendors.
At the same time, the authority threatened to take the stallholders to court if they did not sign on.
The vendors were still concerned they would be paying too much in rent.
The MMA said the new agreement included further assistance for stallholders.
The authority has reduced bond and electricity costs and waived rent back payments between August and February.
"We've taken a practical approach throughout this process and worked to find a fair balance between ensuring the market remains financially sustainable and supporting our tenants," Mr Tuohey said.
Lease renewals for an additional 100 stallholders at the market will be due in August.
