BID is backed

By Jade Lawton
BERWICK’S proposed Business Improvement District (BID) levy is a ‘step in the right direction’ for Berwick Village, a former chamber president said this week.
The idea, in which traders are charged a further tax on their rates that will then fund a centre manager, marketing and other projects, was first floated about 10 years ago.
Former Berwick Village Chamber of Commerce president Bruce Shaw this week voiced his support for the project, which was proposed to the council during his tenure as president.
The system has been adopted by dozens of other strip shopping centres across Victoria.
“The village needs something like that to attract people, and it would certainly take the pressure off people running the chamber. Everyone on the chamber is a trader, and time is of the essence – they do it for the love of it,” he said.
“It’s really a step forward in the right direction.” Mr Shaw said previous event projects by the chamber had fallen down because there was no full-time manager
“Sometimes you need to look at the bigger picture. The chamber needs a helping hand for bigger events," he said.
“During our time (on the chamber) we did actually employ part-time managers. They don’t come cheap, and at the same time you have to make sure you find the right ones. We found some were willing to walk the streets and talk to traders, while others would sit in their office and send email and do nothing.
“We were fortunate at the time that governments gave us grants to assist in these fields.”
Mr Shaw, who now runs Berwick Village Travel and Cruise from home, said the part-time managers helped design the garbage scheme and the streetscape works, and put together the proposal for the BID to council.
He encouraged traders to consider the proposal.
“Everybody looks at the total (cost) but if you break it down, it’s probably not a big cost,” he said.
“It’s a step forward. I still believe that in a robust strip shopping centre you need a common voice.”
BVCC President Harry Hutchinson said the chamber will hold its second meeting on the BID at Monash University on Monday, 21 June.
All traders are encouraged to attend the public meeting.