Poll shows strong community support for 7-day trading in South Burnett

The prospect of 7-day retail trading has once again sparked heated debate in the South Burnett. See what our readers had to say.

The prospect of seven-day retail trading has once again sparked heated debate in the South Burnett, after it was identified as a possible long-term goal in the newly released Council draft community plans. Photo: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

The prospect of seven-day retail trading has once again sparked heated debate in the South Burnett, after it was identified as a possible long-term goal in the newly released Council draft plan.

The proposal, which would see major retailers open their doors on Sundays for the first time in years, aims to establish Kingaroy as “the urban centre of the South Burnett”.

Currently, Woolworths and Big W remain closed on Sundays, forcing residents to travel to neighbouring regions, postpone their shopping until weekdays or choose one of the smaller shops that do regularly open all weekend.

Permanent Sunday trading was banned in the region in 2017 by the Queensland parliament after a bill banned 21 regions in the state from applying for Sunday trading until 2022.

Currently, the South Burnett is not one of the areas listed on the Office of Fair and Safe Work Queensland’s list of regions where Sunday trading for major retailers is allowed.

The issue has long been a source of community division, with recent social media discussions attracting hundreds of reactions from residents on both sides of the debate.

Currently, Woolworths and Big W remain closed on Sundays, forcing residents to travel to neighbouring regions, postpone their shopping until weekdays or choose one of the smaller shops that do regularly open all weekend. Photo: NCA NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers

A recent South Burnett Times poll found 75 per cent of respondents were in favour of bringing Sunday trading to the region, with 22 per cent of readers saying they did not think 7-day trading should be introduced.

Comments on social media were also overwhelmingly in support of Sunday trading, with many people saying extended trading hours would bring the region in line with other towns and would keep money in the community instead of sending shoppers to neighbouring cities.

Those opposing said they valued having a guaranteed day off each week, which could be devoted to family and rest, and were concerned about businesses increases prices to offset the cost of paying workers weekend penalty rates.

Many commentators called for more variety of shopping, including bringing a Kmart, Coles or Spotlight to the region’s most populated town.

See what our readers had to say about the 7-day trading in the South Burnett.

What you said about bringing 7-day trading to the South Burnett

Carley

“Yes, a lot of people work Monday to Saturday which leaves only Sunday to shop. I know of at least (five) people who travel to Gympie or Dalby to just do grocery shopping due to Woolies and Aldi not being open on Sunday. And why should they have to pay exorbitant prices at IGA because they have worked all week and can only shop on Sunday? Times have changed and so have the community’s needs. As so many others have also mentioned, bringing a Kmart and Coles to the area would also be a brilliant idea.”

Debbie

“The shelves are never fully stocked as it is. I doubt there will be more loads delivered to fill the shelves after Saturday arvo and Sunday trade. Improve the stock delivery to Woolies and ALDI, then and only then open (seven) days.”

Julie

“It doesn’t bother me either way. It does let IGA earn a bit extra with the status quo. I’d just like to see some type of focus for the town. Goomeri have got the good food on the weekend and take advantage of tourism. We don’t seem to be doing that in Kingaroy. Our good restaurants have been moved, ie the Indian, losing their ambience. Street shops are closing. It’s a lovely, orderly town and we aren’t showing it off or making the most of it.”

Ash

“Hugely in favour of this. The argument that staff need time with their families is redundant, as I’m sure there are plenty of single people and juniors who would love to earn a bit of extra cash on a Sunday. With respect, it also seems that a lot of people not in favour are of retirement age (and up) and may have forgotten or not experienced how chaotic Monday-Saturday is with two working parents, small children, school and sporting commitments etc. No one is forcing anyone to shop on a Sunday.”

Allan

“I am retired, and totally agree we need Sunday trading. However, maybe it is time to encourage a second supermarket in Nanango and Murgon – populations are growing, time to expand, everything doesn’t have to be in Kingaroy! If Nanango’s three new housing estates take off, the town will need a second supermarket and South Burnett will need Nanango and Murgon to have better services to take the pressure off our roads!”

Carl

“Seven day trading will affect weekend sports. My opinion only.”

“They will raise the prices across the whole week. Would IGA have opened in Kingaroy if they knew Woolies would be allowed to trade on Sundays?”

Petra

“Why???? Certainly not necessary, unless of course it will create more jobs for people.”

Stan

“With the size of the region that Kingaroy services, yes it’s definitely needed. People come from as far south as Blackbutt, as far north as Gayndah, and who knows how far from the west. 7-day trading in this region would be of far better use than in the city.”

Beryl

“No, At least one day a week is needed for rest.”

Janice

“Sounds like a great idea. Doesn’t mean everyone will have to go shopping on a Sunday instead of church, sport etc, but (it) gives people the option. Shops are now open Monday to Saturday, but doesn’t mean we all have to or can go every day.”

Diane

“Turning Kingaroy into a rat race, the only day of the week (where you can get parking) is Sunday.”

Desley

“All you Yes voters, would you like to work Sundays yourself? Meaning you can’t spend Sunday with your family. Family values don’t seem to matter any more.”

Mackayla

“No, thank you. There are a lot of people here where Sundays are their only days off and everyone can actually be at home and have a break. I know I love my Sundays at home, I’m guaranteed at least one day off.”

Fiona

“A place like Kingaroy needs to have their retail trading hours reduced. Weeknights back to 7pm because let’s face it at present it’s to cold. Saturday trading should shut at 3pm. Sunday permanently shut. Christmas trading hours are definitely something to go by. The first Sunday trade, people don’t shop. So, why would they open all year round? The same thing will happen. People need to learn to be more organised. Those retail hours currently have been ongoing for 30 years. People don’t spend anymore.”

Aaron

“Don’t need 7 day trading, we need professional, committed traders who are willing to stock a wider variety and actively keep stock on shelves. I would also like to see current traders offer their full services until the actual listed trading hours, not refuse to fill a gas bottle 15 minutes prior to closing times. (Also) I can’t understand for the friggin life of me why there are no takeaway options after 8pm either. You don’t make money when you’re closed!!!”

Ann

“Yes, went over to Kingaroy the other week on Sunday to buy a birthday present for a little girl and didn’t realise that they were closed. Be nice to have a Kmart and Coles, bit more competition.”

Janie

“It will just push up prices and make life hard for employees. If you can’t get organised on the 5.5 days already on offer you still won’t. Who will you blame then??”

Chasley

“No. Will only put prices up more to compensate for cost effects of doing so.”

Leigh-Scarlett

“I buy pretty much everything online because of firstly the lack of shops, plus nothing is open past 5pm.”