Misguided Decision for West End Markets
07 April, 2009
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The Lord Mayor’s decision to appoint a Sydney based company to manage and operate the West End Markets could lead to the death of the markets as we know them, says Councillor for The Gabba Ward Helen Abrahams.
Sydney company Blue Sky, which also manages the South Bank Lifestyle Markets, and the Sydney Opera House and Manly Markets in Sydney, has been appointed to manage the West End markets at Davies Park.
Councillor Abrahams has called for a cooling off period before the new contract is signed, to allow the Brisbane community to have their say.
“I believe Brisbane residents should be given the opportunity to have a say on this latest decision,” she said.
“The West End market is loved by people all over Brisbane. Each Saturday thousands of people bypass the South Bank Markets and come to the West End Markets for the unique atmosphere, culture and sense of community.
“Around 4,000 people recently signed a petition calling for Council to keep this market a ‘community market’.
“But with the appointment of this interstate, corporate organisation, the Lord Mayor has taken the ‘community’ out of our community markets.
“The Lord Mayor’s bid to put commercial efficiency ahead of Council’s links with the Brisbane community is misguided and will have a negative impact on Brisbane’s beloved West End Markets,” ,” Councillor Abrahams said.