A motion for council to liaise with the community before applying to Consumer Protection to extend trading hours for general retail shops on New Year’s Day has caused a divide between the Shire of Northam council.
Coles Northam contacted the Shire in relation to trading hours over the Christmas and New Year period.
The current legislated trading hours for the Shire of Northam do not permit large retailers to open for trade on New Year’s Day.
In a statement to the Shire Coles said that the period is the busiest retail trading period and they want to be able to provide service and convenience to their customers, provide their employees with the opportunity to work and minimise stock wastage.
Council has the ability to apply to have an approval for a once off permit for New Year’s Day 2019 or alternately can apply so that it is a permanent arrangement.
Councillor Steven Pollard moved a motion for council to advertise its intention to apply to for a permanent change to extended retail.
The motion outlined seeking community feedback up until October 12.
The move to liaise with the public caused concern for half of the council who voted against the move.
Councillor Terry Little said businesses should be able to open if they want to and Councillor Rob Tinetti said the public will vote with their feet when the shop is open.
Councillors Michael Ryan and Carl Della who were for the motion said it was important to make the community feel included in decisions.
The final vote was tied with five votes for and five votes against.
Shire of Northam President Chris Antonio changed his for in favour of the motion and it was carried.
