Thursday, 15 August 2019

In reply to  Mr LIMBRICK (South Eastern Metropolitan) (30 May 2019)

Mr SOMYUREK (South Eastern Metropolitan—Minister for Local Government, Minister for Small Business):

The Better Approvals Project is the key action of the Small Business Regulation Review into the retail sector. The Review aims to improve the regulatory environment for businesses in our community.

In the South Eastern Metropolitan Region, the Better Approvals Project has been delivered in Glen Eira, Kingston and Monash and will commence in Dandenong later in 2019. Initial results from Kingston have already shown a sharp reduction in the number of days taken for a new small business to get regulatory approvals needed to open.

The Government is improving the safety of the Victorian community through our commitment to removing 75 dangerous and congested level crossings on the state’s metropolitan rail network. During construction activities, the Level Crossing Removal Project works with traders to minimise disruptions as much as possible, utilising the Victorian Small Business Engagement Guidelines.

The guidelines help infrastructure agencies with information on business communication and engagement initiatives including working with local councils to temporarily change car parking zones and time limits, assistance with traffic management and pedestrian access, offering small business mentoring services.

The Level Crossing Removal Project and local councils are encouraged to run trader reference groups and marketing workshops, provide regular project updates, and door knocking to advise local businesses of impacts and to hear any feedback. Workers on the Level Crossing Removal Project are encouraged to support local businesses by purchasing local catering and supplies for the construction workforce.

The Level Crossing Removals Project’s Southern Program has used local businesses to supply ‘Surprise and Delight’ give-aways for rail pop-ups as well as for local events and Stakeholder Liaison Group meetings. In addition, one-on-one meetings with businesses to work through operating hours, delivery times and peak periods to minimise the impact of works on business has taken place.