In the market for something truly local

MELISSA MICHIE

mmichie@kiamaindependent.com.au

MAKING Kiama Food and Produce Market a true local market is the push by Kiama councillor Ben van der Wijngaart.

“There is no local identity or reputation associated with the Kiama markets as there is with the Nambour markets or even the Dapto markets,” Cr van der Wijngaart said.

The Kiama Food and Produce Market is held once a month at Black Beach and Cr van der Wijngaart’s comments were made in relation to the market’s management, which was discussed at February’s council meeting.

Just Off Broadway Pty Ltd managed the market from 2002 until the company’s retirement in December 2009. The council has been managing the market as an interim measure.

A council report said the commercial viability of the Kiama Food and Produce Market was under threat with the number of stalls dropping from a high of 50-55 stalls down to 25-35 stalls during the past 12 months.

A stall holder and market visitor survey revealed that: the market has a solid core of regular stall holders; most stall holders come from outside the municipality; there is potential for growth; and visitors would like a larger market with wider range of products.

“I believe before we put out for a management tender we need, as a council, to consider the policy aims of the market in the context of our healthy cities and sustainability initiatives, in conjunction with local groups sponsoring these ideals,” Cr van der Wijngaart said. “We should then issue a request for expressions of interest that stresses a call for a management arrangement that could deliver this best.”

Cr van der Wijngaart didn’t agree with the council report’s recommendation to call for expressions of interest in managing the market and for a report on the outcome.

He proposed that the council develop a policy on the operation of the markets based on a strategic focus on the market’s opportunity to provide: a serious outlet and preference for local producers; an encouragement to local sustainability and food production; an education on what could be done locally in the way of food production, and a demonstration of the principles inherent in the Healthy Cities program and the health plan.

Cr van der Wijngaart’s motion said such a review should also consider how the markets could be made a more unique Kiama. His motion was supported by councillors and became the recommendation.