Zoe Moffatt
Gisborne Olde Time Market is set to expand with an application to increase the area and hours of operation.
Macedon Ranges council heard from two submitters at its meeting on August 9, and received 44 letters of support for the application, and eight objections.
The application seeks to amend the area of the existing market to include the area to the east and the Mechanics Institute, and amend the permit purpose to arts and farm produce market.
It also seeks to amend the hours of operation to 9am to 2pm, with additional set up and pack up time.
The market has been managed by Gisborne Region Events Activities and Tourism (GREAT) Association since 2002, and offers about 150 stalls selling food and wine, fresh produce, quality handmade items and more.
GREAT president Rick Arden addressed council and said there are strong reasons for council to accept the application.
“We started 46 years ago … when we raised funds to buy an ambulance because Gisborne didn’t have one,” Mr Arden said.
“The market is the major regular tourism event in Gisborne we believe… [and] it brings countless thousands of dollars of business into Gisborne.
“For many of the stall holders, most of whom are local, the market is their only income and Gisborne is the most successful of the markets in the region.”
In the objections council received the main concerns regarded; traffic and car parking, impact to the surrounding environment, COVID-19 impacts and impact on local businesses.
Mr Arden said the market has an approved traffic management plan, and it works closely with the local clubs in the area.
“We are fully approved by VicRoads Department of Transport and Planning and we have in place an approved traffic management plan, which is implemented each market day,” he said.
“We work closely with the football and netball club to ensure safety and smooth running for all on market day… [and] we’re rebuilding the relationship with the blows club.”
The application is up for consideration and determination at a council meeting on September 13.
