news

An additional 100 car parking bays will soon be available in Mansfield’s central business district with Council’s purchase of a large vacant block on High Street.

The vacant land, at 34-38 High Street, was formerly the site of the Caltex Service station.

Mayor Cr James Tehan said the purchase is strategic and will support strong economic development for Mansfield.

“Council has proactively sought out additional land for the development of car parking in the central business district. We recognise the need to balance visitation with the needs of our fast-growing community,” said Cr Tehan.

It was purchased at a cost to Council of $1.3 million for the large 3,244 square metre site. This space allows for the provision of at least 100 new car parking bays.

Mayor Cr James Tehan said the purchase would alleviate car parking pressures.

“We’re really excited that we’ve been able to carve out the opportunity for more parking in our central business district, alleviating congestion on High Street and making it easier for the community and visitors to access services and businesses,” said Cr Tehan.

“We’ve moved quickly on this purchase to ensure we can accommodate for our extraordinary growth. We want to make sure that our community and visitors can move freely during periods of high visitation. We’re growing fast but we’re growing sustainably through strategic development.”

Car park construction is scheduled to begin in the new financial year.

Victoria’s small business tenants and their landlords can access the latest guidance on rent relief.

The new web pages explain the Victorian Government’s Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme (the Scheme), which has been extended to 15 March 2022.

Eligible business owners under financial pressure can get rent relief that matches their fall in turnover backdated to 16 January 2022. They’re also protected from rent increases and eviction during the Scheme.

To be eligible, businesses need to have an annual turnover under $10 million and to have had a fall in turnover of at least 30 per cent because of COVID-19.

They also need to have made a rent relief request to their landlord that complies with the Scheme’s requirements.

MDBA Members elect new President Jon Gifford

“I look forward to serving our members and building on the MDBA successes of the last few years with a clear Strategic Plan,  growing 100+ membership, full time Executive Officer in Wes Mudge and series of strategies to be implemented for member benefit the MDBA is delivering on its promise to members.  We take this opportunity to thank outgoing President John Lazarov for his outstanding service to the MDBA and thank him for his significant contribution in what has been businesses most challenging times in many years and I look forward to continuing to support the Mansfield regions businesses over the next 12 months and ahead”.

Jon Gifford