“We have empty shops; what do you put in them?” Guyra & District Chamber of Commerce president Hans Hietbrink asked at the end of last year.
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They're on his agenda for the next Chamber of Commerce meeting, on February 14.
Guyra’s economic future, Mr Hietbrink believes, depends on population growth and tourism. Shops will attract tourists, he said; so too will festivals like the Lamb and Potato Festival and TroutFest, and the Rail Trail.
“The more tourists we get, the more people will shop in Guyra,” Mr Hietbrink said. “Therefore, there'll be a need for those boutique sort of shops that people would buy at if they're coming through Guyra.”
Refilling empty shops with artworks and creative projects could also work. This approach revitalized Newcastle’s stagnant city centre, and has been implemented elsewhere in Australia and overseas.
With several empty shops in the street, Mr Hietbrink wanted to know what the readers of Guyra thought the town needed.
The Argus put the question to the Guyra townsfolk. Here are some of the responses from Facebook.
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“With many small NSW regional towns and villages struggling,” David Mills said, “it’s certainly time to consider serious options to attract additional external revenue,”
David owns the High on Bikes Guyra shop in Bradley Street. He is the Chamber of Commerce’s membership and marketing officer, and the New England Rail Trail steering committee chairman.
“The tourism dollar is the logical choice with many travelling the New England Highway looking for the rural experience or get away.
“We should also consider all options suggested in the article and act sooner than later!”
Online trader Tarsha Kingdom wants to set up a local business selling lollies and balloon gifts – but thought the cost of setting up a shop was prohibitive.
“I like to support local and stay local,” she said. “I would love to transfer my business from home and Internet, but it is too expensive to be in a shop and I worry about support.”
The price of renting a shop, set up, and buying stock would not leave her with any income to pay for business and personal expenses, she thought.
Tarsha used to sell clothes and wedding attire, advertising through flyers to residents and shops. While Guyra people wanted to go to Armidale, she said, Armidale and beyond came to her because she was cheaper.
“I have pondered this question many times, and each community needs to co-operate to find the solution that works for them,” Mary Rofe said. She lives in Stanthorpe, Queensland, but studied in Armidale.
Mary suggested pop-up shops selling local crafts and produce. Council could offer incentives to landlords who let local arts/craft people/ community fundraisers use the space. She noted that short-term leases can discourage long-term tenants.
“It is a balancing act, but one which can be worked through with all parties communicating on this. Because in the long run, no one benefits from untenanted properties in the main street; it degrades the viability of other businesses in the long term.”
Pop-up displays of local history could also enliven the street. The Guyra & District Historical Society and Museum and schools could be involved.
Mary also wondered whether food and cafe outlets adequately catered for visitors’ needs.
“This is a fraught topic where I have lived,” she said. Because of penalty rates, many are shut when tourists and visitors need them.
“It is a decider on whether people stop and look around other shops too, so one to consider when you get together. Encouraging a community approach to this will only bring good for your town.”
Stephen Beetson thought that trains were the answer.
“Passenger / freight and tourism trains north of Armidale all the way to QLD is the long term and sustainable answer to building capacity in Guyra, Glen Innes, Tenterfield, Wallangarra, etc.
“The significant job creation from this important long term infrastructure investment will ensure sustainable growth for generations to come.”
““What has Guyra gained since the forced merger?” asked the "Save and Grow Guyra” group.
“The NSW Government wants small communities to go, so they can direct more for the city developers. Why doesn't the Guyra Chamber start to realize this, and fight for the Guyra Community?”