News
Page 10 The Moorabool News – 15 March, 2022
Email - news@themooraboolnews.com.au
Survey to boost business By Lachlan Ellis As businesses open at full capacity again after two years of COVID restrictions, a new survey aims to identify challenges and opportunities they face, and boost their post-pandemic recovery. The survey has been commissioned by the Ballan & District Chamber of Commerce, with Marmalade Sky Marketing to prepare a business and marketing plan using the survey results. President of the Ballan & District Chamber of Commerce, Michael Ryan, said he hoped that ideas would come in not just from local businesses themselves, but their customers too. “The survey is being used to gather data to inform the proposed Strategic Plan for the main street of Ballan… Marmalade Sky are gathering information to see what ideas there are to make our shopping precinct more efficient, productive and attractive,” he told the Moorabool News. “Hopefully we’ll get comments not only from traders, but also their customers and people who visit the town, to see what they think. It’s not really about fixing a pothole or putting a new road down, it’s about creating things that make Ballan a more interesting place to visit, shop at, and spend some time.” Sarah Maguire and Anthony Galea from Marmalade Sky will also be contacting Ballan’s main street businesses this month. Ms Maguire said she and Mr Galea were eager to engage with the Ballan community. “We are consulting with businesses both in Ballan and surrounding areas, as well as relevant stakeholders including Moorabool Shire Council, to gain feedback to help shape the direction for the Chamber's Plan,” she said. “The survey is just one tool we are utilising to do this. While the survey is targeted to businesses, we welcome feedback from the community as well.” The survey and plans have been made possible by a $16,500 Community Investment Grant from the Ballan Community Bank Branch.
Chamber President Michael Ryan (right) discusses the survey with the working party members (L-R) Sue Forte, Tor Roxburgh and Sarah and Anthony from Marmalade Sky Marketing. Photo – Helen Tatchell Mr Ryan said the Community Bank was a generous, long-time supporter of the Chamber, and was vital to the Chamber’s work. “It’s critical…what they’ve done for us in this case is enormous. There was a survey done 20 years ago that needed updating, but we at the Chamber of Commerce don’t have the resources to do this work. So really, without the Community Bank, we probably wouldn’t be doing the survey,” he said.
BALLAN & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BUSINESS SURVEY
WE WOULD LOVE YOU TO SHARE YOUR IDEAS AND INSIGHTS AS WE DEVELOP OUR STRATEGIC PLAN FOR BALLAN! The resulting plan will benefit you and the district by: Pinpointing the challenges faced by our main street businesses and traders Identifying opportunities to strengthen Ballan’s main street economy Offering documentary support for advocacy to government and grant makers.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO COMPLETE YOUR SURVEY. If you have any queries or would like to include additional information, please email sarah@marmaladesky.com.au
“It’s a fantastic investment by the Bank in their local community. Hopefully we get a really good result for Ballan.” To access the survey, visit form.jotform.com/220438462212043. You can also make direct contact with Sarah Maguire to arrange a time for a chat by calling 0438 505 189, or by emailing sarah@marmaladesky.com.au. The survey will be closed at the end of March and will form one part of the Chamber of Commerce’s Strategic Plan.
No burn-offs without a permit The Fire Danger Period is still in force, but farmers can now apply for permits to burn. With the return to some milder weather, many farmers and landholders will be beginning their burning program in preparation for sowing of crops and this will result in some smoke columns around the Ballarat and surrounding areas, including Moorabool. District 15 began agreeing to permit applications for Schedule 13 agricultural burns only last week, from Monday 7 March 2022. District 15 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer (A/ACFO) Chris Bigham said any burn-offs when fire restrictions are in place require a permit. “The permit holder must comply with permit conditions and must notify the planned use of a granted permit through the contact number provided on the burn permit to reduce Triple Zero (000) brigade call outs. “Lighting a fire in the open without a permit is an offence and can bring a hefty penalty,” he said. Under the Summary Offences Act (1966), landowners must not leave a fire unattended as it could result in damage to or destruction of life and property. Landowners still have responsibilities that they must adhere to when burning off, and they must strictly adhere to conditions listed in the Schedule 13 permit. “It is important that all landholders are aware of their responsibilities when incorporating burning off into their farm safety plan and take adequate precautions to ensure that all requirements are met,” said A/ACFO Bigham. “Any permits issued during the current conditions will include as a minimum requirement 3000 litres of water, 2 adults in attendance and a 3 to 6 metre break around the perimeter. Those seeking a permit should apply via Fire Permits Victoria, the dedicated online site for digital permits at firepermits.vic.gov.au The website allows Victorians to create an account to apply for fire permits during a period when fire restrictions are in place, or on a day of Total Fire Ban (TFB). The website also allows a person to notify authorities of the use of a permit during a period when fire restrictions are in place or TFB; and a burn-off during a period when fire restrictions are not in place.