Marrickville and Sydney Councils are tabling the renewal of a joint funding arrangement that assists Newtown Precinct businesses. The ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ (MOU) was first signed in 2009.
The Councils first signed the MOU in 2009 to jointly fund the Newtown Business Precinct Association (NBPA) which was tasked with developing marketing, advocacy and networking opportunities for the businesses of the Newtown Precinct. Membership to the Association is open to all business owners and owners of commercial or retail property in the Precinct for the cost of $55.
The owner of the King Street stall ‘All Buttons Great and Small’, Lucy Godoroja, said she supported the renewal of the MOU.
“Newtown as a whole really benefits form having the Association…I think if the funding was pulled at this point it would be a waste of three years” she said.
According to an Economic Development Officer’s report submitted to Marrickville Council, the NBPA’s achievements to date include providing business consultation during the Newtown Railway Station upgrades and securing local benefits through a business partnership with the Sydney Fringe Festival.
However, the Economic Development Officer’s report also warned of a lack of interest in NBPA and even, “resentment of the NPBA by disgruntled traders”. The Association has faced an uphill battle in expanding its membership and many business owners in the area still appear to be unsure of what it does.
Like over eight hundred individuals and businesses, owner of Egg Records Barry Scott is on the NBPA’s mailing list, though he remains confused about the Association’s work.
“I guess I don’t know enough about what they actually do. I don’t know who they are or what they do” Mr Scott said.
In spite of the problems with exposure and community engagement, supporters are confident that a renewal of the MOU will see the NBPA grow. A new website is to be unveiled soon which Ms Godoroja believes will reveal the marketing and advocacy potential of the NBPA.
“I think the website creation will actually show a lot of people what can be done” she said, even though “there’s a lot of apathy in [King] street”.
Under the recommendations currently before Sydney City and Marrickville Councils, the MOU would be extended until 2015. Sydney City would contribute at least $50 000 a year and provide $40 000 of in kind support to the NBPA. Marrickville Council would add an estimated $64,759 a year, taken from the Special Rate Levy.
By Max Chalmers
