Council Proposes Sharp Fee Increase For Popular Sydney Market

Traders at a popular Sydney street market have been left furious and betrayed after council changes to stallholder fees threaten to drive them from the weekly event.

Willoughby Council have proposed hire fees for food stalls at the Chatswood Mall Market would increase to $592 a day, over $200 more than the $370 traders are currently paying.

Fees for non-food retailers would increase by almost $100 a day, from $140 to $224.

The fees, which would be implemented from July, are significantly higher than the those at Mosman and Glebe Markets, which are $153 and $270 respectively.

For some traders, the increased cost simply isn’t worth it.

Cherry farmer Mohamad Hamdan, who travels six hours from Young to Chatswood to sell his produce every week told the Sydney Morning Herald the increase had left him stunned.

“To get the email from the council about the price hike was shocking. We pull in close to 400 customers who come specifically for our produce and we’re now considering whether it’s feasible for us to continue,” he said.

“The council should be here to help the traders. This job is meant to be a passion. I love farming and the atmosphere of being in the city with the customers and the smiling faces but, as a country kid, I’m starting to feel the threat of a city.”

Changes not yet set in stone

Alongside the increased fees, the council is forcing stallholders to reapply for their market positions every six months, and  is barring them from refunds on prepaid fees if they’re unable to attend due to illness.

A spokesperson for Willoughby Council said the council had met with traders and was “examining feedback” before making a final decision on the proposed increase.

“Council is very thankful for the contribution that stallholders make to the culture and vibrancy of Chatswood [and] we are committed to listening to their concerns and identifying an equitable outcome,” she said.