The Nicholson Street Mall is an important area of the Bairnsdale CBD with great potential to be reactivated.

It is very encouraging for Bairnsdale that we have an investor/developer who has demonstrated a commitment to playing a role in creating an exciting new future for the CBD. Realising this vision will take time. Council has been able to leverage this vision to support a funding application to progress a regional arts precinct with the Federal Government. Unfortunately, this funding application was not supported last year, so we are now pursuing other funding opportunities. There remains a strong case that an investment of this type for the mall and Port of Bairnsdale area would be transformational for both Bairnsdale and the broader region.

To help drive the exciting opportunity, Council has been paying a small contribution towards the holding costs on the former Woolworths building. This holding fee – not an ongoing lease arrangement – has allowed us to work proactively with the building owner to seek government funding and support to revitalise the area.

We fully understand the concerns in the mall about anti-social and unlawful behaviour. While these behaviours are partially attributed to the relocation of a major retailer from the mall, they also reflect changes in behaviour by some, which have complex origins and are not simple to solve. Anti-social behaviours are on the increase right across Victoria. This behaviour is not isolated to the mall and has been the topic of conversations with Victoria Police. If anyone experiences activity in the mall area or anywhere else that involves unlawful or dangerous behaviour - such as threats to personal safety, property damage, drug‑related activity, or violence - please refer the matter immediately to Victoria Police on 000 (for emergencies) or 131 444 for non‑urgent assistance.

We have been meeting with business owners, chamber of commerce representatives, police and our MPs about the challenges that this anti-social behaviour is causing. Earlier this month we met with a group of traders, which included understanding both their immediate concerns and the opportunities to revitalise this part of our regional centre. Discussions with taxi operators about the best location for their service have also commenced and will help inform future decisions about the taxi rank and taxi shelter.

Work is underway to deliver some short-term activations and artwork installations to encourage more people back into the area. We are continuing to work with traders and maintenance of the mall remains a priority. The cleaning schedule for mall is twice weekly, the public toilet is locked overnight, and different types of piped music continue to be trialed to discourage loitering and vandalism.

Council is committed to both working to ensure that the mall remains as safe as possible in the short-term while also exploring opportunities to see the area redeveloped and reactivated in a way that will support both traders and the broader community.

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