It is close to 12 months since the devasting fire at the Princes Highway shops, it’s great to see work finally commencing on the site. I know the long inaction was frustrating for many locals, including myself, with the heavily damaged shops becoming a great eyesore for the gateway to the great town of Beaconsfield. In April when Parliament sat for one day, I used this opportunity to raise the inaction with the Minister for Planning, hoping he would intervene, I am still awaiting the Minister’s response. I will keep an eye on the progress of works on this site to make sure things continue to progress. I know many in the community are missing Beacy Pizza and hope for its return.
During these uncertain times, it has been heartwarming to see the amount of support the Beaconsfield community has given to local businesses. The community spirit is high in Beaconsfield and that was demonstrated with locals making sure they still grab a coffee when they could or purchase takeaway or produce boxes to cook at home meals.
With dining restrictions easing for restaurants and cafes, I highly recommend the community continuing their support for local businesses and where possible get out and support our local restaurants and cafes.
Our hospitality industry has been badly affected by this pandemic and sadly most in this industry are small businesses and a great source of local jobs.
With the limitations on indoor dining, if you are unable to dine in, please make sure if you can, continue to get takeaway to ensure our favourite dining spots will remain after this pandemic.
I will be continuing my business shout outs when businesses are slowly returning to operation, so if you have a business who would like me to come down and record a video, please get in contact with me via brad.battin@parliament.vic.gov.au or 5953 0216.
Please continue to be safe, abide by the social distancing rules and support local.
Brad Batttin MP
Liberal State Member for Gembrook
