110 businesses interested in joining light rail class action
MORE than 110 businesses and residents affected by the Sydney light rail project have registered their interest in joining a class-action lawsuit against the state government according to a City of Sydney councillor.
Central Sydney
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MORE than 110 businesses and residents affected by the Sydney light rail project have registered their interest in joining a class-action lawsuit against the state government.
Last year Central Sydney revealed the state government had agreed to backdate rent relief to businesses who could prove they had been affected as a result of delayed construction along the light rail route.
This followed a campaign led by City of Sydney councillor, George St cafe owner and Small Business Matters party founder Angela Vithoulkas.
The Sydney Light Rail Class Action Suit campaign was launched in March to evaluate whether there was a case for class action against the department following claims of false promises of support and compensation.
Reports surfaced of businesses being knocked back because they had been forced into liquidation, employed too many staff, owned a second shop elsewhere or the business was on the second floor.
“We’re prepared to fight for our lives — that’s what this class action is going to show,” Cr Vithoulkas said.
“We have no choice but to fight and everyone knows that small business will put up a good fight.
“That’s what we’re all about. We fight the odds, we fight the economic climate and we’re prepared to fight the state government — and we’re going to win.”
LIGHT RAIL CONSTRUCTION CHAOS
Cr Vithoulkas said the number of signatories represents ongoing frustration with the current avenues available to residents and businesses to recoup losses.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has recently relaxed several of the conditions businesses have to meet to be eligible for backdated rent relief, known as the Small Business Assistance Program.
While as recently as February businesses were only eligible if they employed fewer than 20 full-time employees, relief is now available to businesses with up to 50 full-time employees.
Businesses must still be located along the alignment or in proximity to and impacted by construction activity and be in a zone where construction is taking longer than advised.
IN OTHER NEWS
A TfNSW spokeswoman said the state government had offered financial assistance to 56 small businesses.
“But we know there is more that can be done, which is why we’ve changed the basic criteria to align with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission definition of a small business,” she said.
Businesses who are now eligible can apply for financial assistance from when construction started.