City asks residents for extended trading feedback

An official survey will give Kalgoorlie-Boulder residents their best chance to influence the future of extended retail trading hours.

The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is calling for input from residents and business owners on its 12-month trial of extended hours, due to expire in May.

Under the trial, businesses can open from 7am to 7pm on weekdays, and until 9pm on Thursday. They can also open from 7am and 6pm on Saturdays. Sunday trading hours were not included in the trial.

The council’s public opinion survey will be conducted throughout February, with the results collated and factored into decision making.

Opinions have been divided on the impact of extended trading since it was introduced in May, with some small-business owners saying they could not compete with national chains who could afford to open the extra hours.

Others have praised deregulated trading hours as a boost for consumer choice.

Mayor Ron Yuryevich said the survey represented the best opportunity for the public to have their say on the issue.

“It’s extremely important, we gave a commitment to consult, we will consult, we will listen to whatever the comments are, positive or negative, and weigh those up,” he said.

“Apart from coming to the council meeting on the night we might consider this item, this is by far the best opportunity where people can put in a written report.

“We’re looking for constructive criticism or constructive input.”

Mr Yuryevich said council had committed to consult on the changes by the end of the trial period.

“We went out and set out to do a 12 month trial, we gave a commitment we’d consult prior to the end of that 12 months, now we want people to have their say,” he said.

“Obviously, when you have a trial, no one has the perfect answers for everything, we look to see if people have difference of suggestions.

“There are always going to be differing points of view, but at the end of the day, we want to do what is in the best interests of the residents, retailers, and community as a whole, and to do that we need your input.”

Residents and local business owners can provide feedback on the trial via an online survey accessible at the city's website, by mailing to PO Box 2042 Boulder WA 6432 or by email.