Phone: (03) 5775 2115
Incorporating
Know your local
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
$1.50 inc GST
www.mansfieldcourier.com.au
Your regular Courier inside >
Booming business
By SHAUN McMAHON
TO say the Mansfield Shire’s economy had kicked off again would be an understatement. Following two years of COVIDravaged trading, local businesses are experiencing a deluge of customers and clients, with many scampering to keep up with demand. The snow season is undoubtedly playing a big part in this. As locals would have seen, tourists have been flocking to the mountains in the thousands, with over 250,000 visitors hitting Buller and Stirling’s slopes already. Previous comparable records in 2018 and 2019 have been broken by almost double, the lag time from town stopovers unquestionably benefiting local traders. But the positivity surrounding the district’s economy is also tempered by those experiencing issues arising in the post-COVID era. Wes Mudge, executive officer at the Mansfield District Business Association, reports that their members are pleased that lockdowns are over and the snow trade has been strong for Mt Buller businesses and themselves. But he also highlighted some concerns. “All businesses and staff are facing their own industry-specific struggles,” said Mr Mudge. “With the countrywide staff shortages many businesses are operating below ideal staffing levels, causing longer service delivery times. “As customers, we need to be tolerant.” Mr Mudge also noted the ongoing local issue of affordable housing;
GOING GLOBAL: Global Ballooning Australia are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, with Bronni Bowen (ground crew/marketing) and Georgia Croft (resident pilot) heading up this booming business in Mansfield. something he said is limiting the region’s economy. “Demand is exceeding supply and pushing up rents and house prices,” he said. Local state member for Eildon and Shadow Minister for Economic Development, Cindy McLeish, echoed these sentiments, noting that until there’s a further shift, many businesses will continue to boom on the one hand, while navigating evolving operational issues. “The thing I am hearing everywhere, and so are my colleagues across the state, is about staffing,” said Ms McLeish. “Until we have students and backpackers return, there’s going to
be a lot of pressure on hospitality and tourism jobs. “Mansfield would be particularly noticing it.” Proposed residential and commercial developments continue to go through council and divide local opinion. Mansfield Shire Council is positive about the district’s economic outlook, and say that they’re aware of these changes and pressures, and are looking ahead to support residents and businesses in a time of record growth. “As our population grows, so too grows our community’s expectations for things to do, new eateries, retail spaces and other business
offerings to support our changing demographic,” said Mayor James Tehan. “That’s why we’ve invested in a new car park, which supports increased traffic in our central business district. “Council has been able to advocate for increased funding to deliver high value projects that contribute to our shire’s economic development. “Council also offers custom support for businesses through its dedicated business support program which all businesses in the shire have access to. “Local business is well equipped to grow and council has the supports in place to strategically oversee and support this growth in the right direction.”
ȅƏȇɀˡƺǼƳِɮǣƬِǕȒɮِƏɖٖƫƺǸǣȇƳ