Surf_Coast_Indy_2013-01-11

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Surf Coast

Friday, 11 January, 2013

Connecting people and communities

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Tourist trading ‘sizzles in heat’ By CHERIE DONNELLAN

By CHERIE DONNELLAN

Mr Duke said the influx of tourists had put pressure on parking around retail precincts, with visitors headed for the beach taking up spaces outside shops. He encouraged beachgoers to consider alternative transport options. “Parking is often an issue at this time of year and beachgoers often take car parks in retail areas, which causes problems for people accessing the retail sector. “If you’re staying nearby, consider walking or riding your bike to beaches and retail areas.” Mr Duke said traders were considering ways to deal with traffic congestion around retail areas. A local weather expert confirmed this summer was warmer than usual. Geelong Weather Services’ Lindsay Smail said latest data revealed that 2012 finished about .4C warmer than average. Mr Smail believed the last two months seemed hotter than usual due to below-average rain in November and December. “When it rains it does actually feel colder, so in the absence of rain people probably believe it’s warmer than it may be.”

OFF TO MARKET: David Bell outside Torquay Central.

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SURF Coast retailers have credited recent warm weather for an influx of visitors and busy trading conditions. Torquay Traders Association president Martin Duke said seeing beaches and car parks full was a positive sign for local businesses. “I reckon there has been an influx in the number of people visiting every weekend because the weather has been so good. “When beaches are full it means traders and restaurant owners are likely to see more foot traffic.” Mr Duke said he had noticed retailers in Gilbert St and Baines Cres consistently busy, while holiday rental occupancy appeared to have improved. Beach Hotel owner Rohan Pertzel said his Jan Juc restaurant had experienced an increase in bookings this summer, with holidaymakers looking for dining options after spending their days at nearby beaches. “We’re 10 per cent up on last year’s bookings,” he said. “We book out most nights.” Mr Pertzel attributed most of summer’s additional business to both day trip visitors and people with holiday homes.

Extension a ‘smooth move’ for plaza shift

Picture: TOMMY RITCHIE 91958l

SUPERMARKET giant Coles has given a local farmers market an extra two months to pack up and ship out of its Torquay Central Shopping Centre home after buying the troubled shopping complex. Torquay Farmers Market organiser David Bell said he was “relieved” to keep the market trading until the end of April on the centre site, allowing a “smoother” transition to its new Surf City Plaza site. Mr Bell said he was “glad” to have secured the plaza site after scrambling for a new residence when Coles announced its takeover last month. “It’s still quite a central site.” Mr Bell said stallholders had pledged their allegiance to the market despite the move. But customers had given “mixed reactions” to the proposed new site. “Some customers have expressed concern it’s on the wrong side of the highway for them, which is a shame, but hopefully the site will benefit other people and bring in new customers as well,” Mr Bell said. Coles recently announced it had acquired Torquay Central Shopping Centre after the former Austexx Group complex went into receivership almost two years ago. A statement from Coles said the chain was “looking forward to having discussions with Surf Coast council on the opportunities to revitalise the centre and bring a better shopping experience to the Torquay community”.

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