Backpacker market: Is it really a success story?
The City of Sydney has called the new Sydney Travellers Car Market, Kings Cross, a success following a month of popularity and the sales of over 40 vehicles.
However, while the market is free until February 15th, some worry the subsequent charges may deter notoriously thrifty backpackers from using the service.
The car market’s manager, Lee Marshall, said he has mixed feelings about the continued success of the market given his experience as a backpacker.
“As a backpacker $150 is a lot of money; however I guarantee it is a better deal than selling on the street,” said Mr Marshall. “The average vehicle sells in under one week.”
As from February 15th, the market will charge backpackers $60 per week rising to $150 after three weeks of using the service.
“The service we provide is far better than selling on the street as we are making buyers more confident, as we can offer information on transfer, registration and insurance,” Mr Marshall said.
The Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the market has been buzzing with buyers and sellers.
“That’s 40 vehicles that would have sat on the street for days on end – and most sold in under five days,” Ms Moore said.
“An average of 15 vehicles are turning up each day at the market, which means around 30 people gathering in the one spot, all with stories about where they’ve been or where they’re going.”
The market comes after Ms Moore negotiated a Private Members Bill through State Parliament, which led to a ban on selling vehicles on the street.
Street sales of vehicles had been causing an outcry from residents, particularly of Victoria and Brougham Street in Potts Point, who were frustrated with the increase in congestion and lack of on-street parking spaces.
Victoria Street residents and vendors, including Café´ Dov owner, Tim Petersen, are happy at ridding their street of young travellers cooking two-minute noodles on the footpath.
”The street feels a whole lot cleaner – most campervans were pretty run down and looked shabby, particularly when they were open with their ratty curtains and attendant backpackers hanging around,” he told The Sydney Morning Herald.
However, president of the Kings Cross Conservation Society, Andrew Woodhouse, said the issues of lack of on-street parking spaces and on-street sales of vehicles have not been alleviated through this new car market.
“It is unclear if the fix is permanent,” said Mr Woodhouse. “[The costs] are a massive increase for skint backpackers, whose reputation is built on living cheap.”
By Kristie Beattie
