Signs of support for extended trading
Trading hours is a contentious issue in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, but one councillor is looking to take charge of the situation ahead of the upcoming council elections.
Amanda Cruse is one of the six councillors up for re-election and is looking to garner community support for deregulated shopping hours ahead of the elections.
Ms Cruse said this move was about making the city more liveable and attractive for potential residents.
"I really believe we've got to make Kalgoorlie a more liveable place if we're going to grow the population," Ms Cruse said.
"We have this enormous natural resource which draws people to our city and we're so lucky, but I don't think we're doing enough to keep people here long term.
"To me it's a simple thing we can do and it won't cost the ratepayer a cent.
"It even might tip the balance between whether someone stays or someone goes and for the future of the town we need to grow our population."
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has stated its population target is 50,000, about 18,000 more than current levels.
Mayor Ron Yuryevich said he supported deregulated trading hours, but was against Sunday trading in the city.
"I'm dead against Sunday trading, but I'm more relaxed for extended trading during the week," Mr Yuryevich said.
"My main concern is for the community, sporting organisations which will suffer if Kalgoorlie-Boulder turns into a seven day a week trading concern.
"I stated it before I believe we are adequately covered for tourists, or whoever else wants to buy groceries into the evening.
"Through the various supermarkets which are around, the major players are there during the core business hours during the day and other independent retails service the city after hours."
Many towns around the State are classed as tourism zones, allowing for extended trading hours during the night and on Sundays.
A number of these zones were created in Perth in 2009 before legislation was passed in 2012 to allow limited Sunday trading in the city.
Ms Cruse said Kalgoorlie-Boulder was missing out by not having extended trading compared to similar cities across the nation.
"You've only got to look at other country towns around Australia to see, which are about the same size, who have had deregulated trading for decades and they have thriving retail sectors," she said.
"There may be a period of adjustment and change but I think long term it's for everyone's benefit.
"If you can go grocery shopping whenever it suits you, you might have some time to go leisure shopping on Saturday afternoon and cruise up and down Hannan Street and see what is around and people might spend some money in town instead of online."
