Retailers remain optimistic
Positive outlook: Leongatha Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, Darryl McGannon.
By Brad Lester
THE region’s economy is improving on the back of better milk prices and strengthening financial markets.
Most businesses are reporting steady or higher trade despite the typically slower winter trading period now here.
The region’s business leaders share similar stories, casing an air of optimism over the retail sector.
Leongatha Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Darryl McGannon said Leongatha carries a “fairly positive outlook”.
“Most businesses have still been quite busy. It’s also how you make it too. You can’t just sit on your hands and expect business to come in. You have to be proactive,” he said.
Mr McGannon, the dealer principal of Edney’s car dealership, said the automotive trade industry remains solid.
“From our point of view, things have been fairly buoyant,” he said.
“The end of the financial year is generally a busier time of year but we don’t seem to get the highs and lows of the past. Things for us are pretty stable.”
His business is not as reliant on custom from farmers compared to 15-20 years ago, with the demographic of Leongatha and surrounds diversifying over time.
“Farmers are still a strong part of our economy but the building industry has been pretty strong, any trade, and the retiree sector too,” Mr McGannon said.
“I think that people are now considering coming this way as it’s a pretty good part of the world to retire to. New houses are being built and tradies are fairly busy.”
Wonthaggi’s retail sector has been boosted by the influx of desalination plant workers to the town, according to Wonthaggi Business Association president, Gordon Muller.
“We have another 1000 people around the place and they’re all spending money. All the grocery stores and the take-aways are travelling well and the clothing shops too,” he said.
“No records are being set but it’s keeping us out of the doldrums. I think everybody is getting a bit of a share of it. If you go to the supermarkets, it’s just chockers every time you go in there.”
Foster Chamber of Commerce president Karen Pulham reported consistent trade in the town.
“Things are looking positive and a lot of locals are staying in the town and shopping. The town seems to be busier all the time, with the tourists we are getting as well as the locals,” she said.
“We are a nice little town and we offer really good service and people appreciate that and support us.”
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