'We want to see the place buzzing': Call for markets at Port of Echuca

By Max Stainkamph

Jul 29, 2021

Expressions of interest are gathering for potential farmers’ and community markets at the Port of Echuca precinct and across the shire of Campaspe.

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Campaspe Shire Council passed a motion at last Wednesday night's council meeting that allows for businesses and community organisations to apply to trade on council-owned and managed land, including footpaths, parks and the Port of Echuca.

The policy streamlines the application process for trading on council-owned land.

Council will consider expressions of interest for markets for the next 12 months to be held at parks, precincts and crown land sites such as the Port of Echuca, with preference given to long weekends and Sundays.

Campaspe Mayor Chrissy Weller said it was an exciting opportunity for community groups looking to set up markets.

“We want to see the place buzzing,” Cr Weller said.

“We’d love to see some night markets happening and want to make the town vibrant.”

She added the policy around businesses such as cafés operating on footpaths cleared up several old regulations.

Cr Weller encouraged community groups to head to council's website for more information, and said several groups across the shire had expressed interest in starting new ventures.

Council also passed its community vision — ‘we are strong, supportive, vibrant and sustainable’ — for the next 12 months.

Cr Rob Amos said there was scope to adjust council's implementation of the vision, which is a Victorian Government legislation requirement to guide the council's policy over the next 12 months.

“I know the council administration have done a lot of work on this,” Cr Amos said.

Additionally, Cr Tony Marwood proposed giving council more time to look over its 10-year capital works program before passing it, delaying a vote until council's August meeting.

The plan covers the major capital works funded and implemented by council.

“It’s important we have appropriate time as councillors to work through the 10-year capital works plan, which suits our four-year plan,” Cr Marwood said.

Council also voted to continue its relationship with the Murray Regional Tourism Board and to support the Kyabram Place-Based Plan.

Head to the council website for more information on markets. Expressions of interest close at 5pm on Friday, July 30.