MIDLAND may get late-night and Sunday shopping if the City of Swan gets its way.
City representatives including Mayor Charlie Zannino met Commerce Minister Troy Buswell in January to discuss making an amendment to include Midland on a Bill, currently in the Upper House, that will pave the way for extended trading in Joondalup.
Cr Zannino said the meeting was positive, with the Minister agreeing to support Midland’s inclusion. “We’ve been lobbying for (extended trading) for years,” he said.
“It hasn’t happened yet but now the opportunity is there.
“Midland is the centre of the whole eastern region, servicing the Wheatbelt and other country areas. We’ve got a lot going for us.”
Swan Chamber of Commerce and Midland Gate management support the City’s push.
Chamber president Craig Verrier said the organisation had surveyed its members several times on the issue in the past six years – with mixed results.
“We understand the concerns of small retailers, who are already able to open but choose not to, and why they are reluctant to have Sunday trading, such as the need for a level playing field in wages and penalty rates,” he said.
“However, with the proposal from other outer metropolitan regional centres to apply for tourism precinct status, we realise Midland needs to also be considered. We need to ensure Midland retains its place as a major retail centre.”
Midland Gate centre manager Graham Hahn said centre businesses supported the move.
Mr Buswell said the City of Swan had provided succinct, clear arguments supporting the move towards extended trading.
“Their views will now be considered by government and we intend to provide a comprehensive response in due course.”