BUSINESS BRIEF 2
Thank you to readers for the positive response to our initial column, the forwarding of issues of concern is gratefully acknowledged.
JOONDALUP CBD - Planning issues
The most raised concerns involved the planning hurdles that business has to work with. Simple applications for fit outs and approvals to commence business are being bogged down. Inconsistent advice and a litany of reasons why applications are invalid, or the zoning is incorrect, is being experienced. In other words little or no pro-active assistance is being offered to applicants – we need a pro business activist at the City.
BUSINESS PARK WEST
There are numerous businesses operating without approval and non-compliance of the zoning in this area. When applying for similar or same operations as existing uses in the park new applicants are advised they are ‘not approved’. Whilst technically the advice might be true it is causing an illogical situation where businesses operate on a non-conforming basis. The situation causes unnecessary stress and disillusionment with the planning process. The current District Planning Scheme 2, or a spot rezoning, needs to be urgently progressed.
The current situation encourages renegade operations that are not
wishing to be in that situation – the City must act.
CITY OF JOONDALUP – Rating system
The LGA Commercial rate in the dollar in Joondalup is 6.6273c while the rate in the dollar for residential property is 5.6234 - why would you charge business more when we are endeavouring to grow the business community to become a vibrant economic precinct. Exempt bodies under the LG Act include churches, educational institutions and government agencies such as Landcorp – if they were to pay their share the rate burden would be less for business and residents.
We need to grow the productive ‘engine room’ not the bureaucratic Government sector. The private sector generates wealth, employment and personal self esteem. Let’s encourage and recognise the value of the entrepreneur not belt them into submission with red tape and irrelevant hurdles.
SMALL BUSINESS CENTRE North West Metro
The SBCNWM is effective, established and governed by a local business board – you would think it would be acknowledged and supported by Government. However the current State Government apparently wants to tamper with its operation to achieve a single voice for small business mainly through the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Behold CCI has launched its new Small Enterprise Network for which there has been no consultation with the various business associations or the Combined Small Business Alliance (CoSBA). These existing organisations feel marginalised and that Small Business representation has been politicised.
Governments espouse the virtues of small business and its employment capacity but seem hell bent on only representing the ‘big end’ of town.
The JBA’s association with the SBC (previously BEC) has a successful history of some twenty years – if it’s not broken then why fix it?
CITY TAKES INITIATIVE
Mayor Troy Pickard has established a “Business Round Table” for Joondalup with representatives from education, health, small and large businesses and the JBA being key participants in the inaugural meeting held on Friday 19 February. The JBA found the open and honest dialogue encouraging and applauds the establishment of the forum. It can be a powerful influence in shaping the City’s vibrancy and also addressing business frustrations.
If you would like to comment on these or any other business related issues please contact the JBA on 9300 1414, write to us at PO Box 24 Joondalup 6919 or email admin@jba.asn.au. www.jba.asn.au