Go for growth

By Russell Bennett
MOUNT Evelyn is not living up to its potential, according to out-going Chamber of Commerce member and former Shire of Lillydale councillor Geoff Bailey.
Mr Bailey said the town had two supermarkets, two chemists, three butchers, and haberdashery, shoe, and knitware shops when he first arrived 45 years ago.
‘Now’ There’s basically nothing but take-away food,’ he said.
‘It’s just so sad where the town is headed. Mount Evelyn could be such a beautiful and vibrant place if (councillor) Tim Heenan allowed for more forward movement.’
‘The place could look so beautiful.’
Mr Bailey said downtown Mount Evelyn has had $30 million invested in it yet Yarra Ranges Council was treating it poorly.
He referred to an article published in The Mail on 14 September titled ‘Clean-up Call’, saying ‘How is it only now they realise the place is a mess’ It’s been like that for years’.
Councillor Heenan acknowledged all Mr Bailey had done for Mount Evelyn but also strongly defended his own record as a man of action.
‘In my time as mayor I managed to get more passed through council than two of my predecessors combined,’ he said.
‘We, as a council, realise there is a need to clean up the town and we’re working at it but it’ll take time.’
Mr Bailey recently decided to step down from his role with the chamber of commerce (formerly Mount Evelyn Central Business and Landlords Incorporated).
‘I just thought it was inappropriate for me to continue my involvement, considering I’m not a trader,’ he said.
‘The name change has meant that it really should just be the local traders involved.’
‘There’s a good group of executive members now. It’s best left to them to pursue the forward movement of the town.’
Current chamber president Steve Deakin said Mr Bailey was instrumental in reforming and empowering the group.
‘He guided those of us who hadn’t had any previous experience,’ Mr Deakin said.
‘We’d just like to give him a big hearty thanks for everything he’s done for us.’