By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
YARRA Ranges Council has renewed the special charge scheme for the Belgrave Retail and Commercial precinct.
The Belgrave Traders Association requested the council to renew the scheme for a further five years.
In partnership with council, the association has successfully operated three previous schemes since its initiation in 1999.
Yarra Ranges mayor Maria McCarthy said the committee represented unity among traders for the advancement of the community.
“It’s a great way for businesses to create funds to run programs that benefit the township,” she said.
“I commend the Traders Association for getting it through again. It’s a credit to the committee for having the foresight and the courage to keep going.”
The charge is levied on the properties in the immediate proximity of the business precinct of Belgrave.
The funds are then quarterly distributed to the Belgrave Traders Association to implement the plan.
Marina Dennis, Marketing co-ordinator of the Belgrave Traders Association, welcomed the council move.
“I think it’s a very encouraging decision in that it reflects on the good work that is made possible by that co-operative approach,” she said.
“We’ve been through a consultative process and strategic planning process before we presented to council, so we’ve got a clear vision for the next five years,” ahe said.
Established in the 1940s, the Belgrave Traders Association aims to support businesses and the community in a wide variety of ways.
Annual events supported by the association include the Belgrave Busker’s Festival, Easter Carnival, the Belgrave Lantern Parade and the Spring Arts Festival.
The association also organises promotions throughout the year and maintains a strong relationship with the Yarra Ranges Council on behalf of Belgrave traders.
