Theme 4 - Shops and Businesses

Bairnsdale’s mix of shops and businesses contributes to its role as a Regional Centre. It will be crucial to support local shops and businesses to thrive in changing economic times, so that Bairnsdale remains vibrant and attractive to both local residents and people from surrounding areas. This includes ensuring enough commercial or retail space is available into the future.

• How can we support local shops and businesses to thrive and adapt in changing economic times?
• What would help to make Bairnsdale’s CBD a more vibrant place after 5pm?
• How can we encourage redevelopment and greater density in commercial and retail areas to accommodate growth and activate the CBD?
• What can we learn from other towns and cities that have faced similar challenges?