South Burnett opposes seven day trading plan

SOUTH Burnett residents are divided about the prospect of seven-day trading, with opinion split on whether it would be beneficial for Kingaroy.

SOUTH Burnett residents are divided about the prospect of seven-day trading, with opinion split on whether it would be beneficial for Kingaroy.

With Gympie introducing Sunday trading three years ago despite strong opposition, and Dalby introducing it last month despite similar opposition, the prospect was put to South Burnett residents on social media this week, triggering a divided reaction.

Some said it would be bad for Kingaroy but others thought it would be a good move.

Sunday shopping arrived in Dalby despite protests from the Western Downs Regional Council and Dalby Chamber of Commerce.

It seems the National Retail Association has more sway with the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission.

The South Burnett last had the Sunday trading debate in 2010 when the National Retail Association submitted an application for the Kingaroy area.

Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce president Tim Harris supported Sunday trading, but conceded many of the chamber's members might feel differently.

"The injection of wages (from Sunday trading) certainly couldn't hurt," he said.

Deputy Mayor Keith Campbell said his opinion hadn't changed, though it might need to be considered again as Kingaroy grew.

"It is probably inevitable that Sunday trading will be introduced sometime along the way," he said. "But it could be five or 10 years from now."

Cr Damien Tessmann also remained opposed and said it would have a negative impact on independent grocery stores outside of Kingaroy that can open on Sunday under the current conditions.

Gympie's independent stores reported a significant drop in weekend trade once seven day trading started.

The "unfair impact" on smaller retailers like them has been a common theme in community opposition to the move.

Originally published as South Burnett opposes seven day trading plan