Market movers get set to re-open trade

By Tania Martin
GEMBROOK Market could be up and running again by the end of this month.
The popular market closed in May following problems with public liability insurance.
Previously the market had been covered under Cardinia Shire’s insurance policy for section 86 committees.
However, following a review, the council was advised by its insurers that volunteer groups and organisations would no longer be adequately protected under the current policy.
The council decided the best option was to help groups such as Gembrook Market to become an incorporated body.
But the former market committee was unwilling to do this.
In a letter to the Mail, they claimed becoming an incorporated body would result in additional legal, administrative and financial responsibilities and liabilities.
The committee said this would make the market inviable and the only option was to close.
But residents rallied together with Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato in a bid to get the market up and running again.
Steering committee spokesman Walter Burger said there were still some issues to iron out with the insurance but he was confident the market would open for business by the end of August.
Mr Walter said a deal to have the insurance paid for under the auspices of Puffing Billy had fallen through.
“It wasn’t for lack of Puffing Billy trying,” he said.
Mr Walter said the committee had another four offers for insurance cover.
“We are trying to explore these and minimise any time lost,” he said.
Mr Walter said the final option would be to become an incorporated body.
However, this could cost the committee up to $4000 a year and would mean less of the profits would be put back into the community.
“We hoping to have it all organised by the end of this week,” Mr Walter said.
Mr Berger said re-opening the market would provide a vital boost for the community and local businesses. He said it also raised the profile of Gembrook in the eyes of visitors.
“I am not aware of the exact numbers but I have been told it could vary from 2-4000 visitors to the market,” Mr Walter said.
Ms Lobato said the market, once re-opened, would continue to use money raised to put back into the local community.
She said it would also go a long way towards boosting tourism in the region.
“It’s a wonderful attraction and has been a major contributor to the local economy,” Ms Lobato said.
“The market has been nothing but a success since day one and will continue to be once it has restarted.”
“There is no reason why we can’t get this up running… we seem to have plenty of willing workers at this stage,” Mr Walter said.
“As long we get the insurance organised and those committee members don’t disappear we should be right.”
The committee is hoping to run the first of the revitalised market’s on Sunday 23 August.