Indian traders protest government's $290 million redevelopment project
Indian traders protest against the government's 290-million dollar redevelopment project.
By PTI | Updated:
MELBOURNE: Indian traders operating in the city's spice hub famously known as ' Little India' have gathered in front of local parliament to protest against the government's 290-million dollar redevelopment project which they claim is threatening the famed cultural enclave.
More than 100 traders and supporters of Indian community held a peaceful demonstration yesterday to demand immediate action by the state government to resolve their issues including business relocation, immediate compensation and ensuring retaining the concept of 'Little India'.
The Little India precinct, which is over 20-years-old, is Melbourne's iconic multicultural hub which showcases Indian culture.
There are over 30-35 Indian stores selling various Indian goods such as groceries, music, movies and clothing.
The local authorities of the Dandenong suburb have been promoting the area through marketing 'Little India' concept to locals as well the huge Indian diaspora in Victoria since 1995 when a first saree shop was opened in the area.
However, the Indian businessmen operating in the area now claim that the state government's revitalising project is now threatening their businesses and Little India will soon be demolished in a few years as part of the urban renewal.
Though the local council has invited the 'Little India' community to continue trading in what will be the new shopping precinct, many shop owners are concerned that rent increase may force them out of business.
"This disruption and uncertainty has led to a significant downturn in business causing financial and emotional hardship to the business owners, their staff and families," one of the traders, Kaushilya, spokesperson Little India traders said.
Council has earlier stated that it was working on to preserve the famed cultural enclave and discussions are on with local tenants to determine the future of Melbourne's spice capital and acknowledges that the precinct is a part of the community and is worth retaining.
More than 100 traders and supporters of Indian community held a peaceful demonstration yesterday to demand immediate action by the state government to resolve their issues including business relocation, immediate compensation and ensuring retaining the concept of 'Little India'.
The Little India precinct, which is over 20-years-old, is Melbourne's iconic multicultural hub which showcases Indian culture.
There are over 30-35 Indian stores selling various Indian goods such as groceries, music, movies and clothing.
The local authorities of the Dandenong suburb have been promoting the area through marketing 'Little India' concept to locals as well the huge Indian diaspora in Victoria since 1995 when a first saree shop was opened in the area.
However, the Indian businessmen operating in the area now claim that the state government's revitalising project is now threatening their businesses and Little India will soon be demolished in a few years as part of the urban renewal.
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Though the local council has invited the 'Little India' community to continue trading in what will be the new shopping precinct, many shop owners are concerned that rent increase may force them out of business.
"This disruption and uncertainty has led to a significant downturn in business causing financial and emotional hardship to the business owners, their staff and families," one of the traders, Kaushilya, spokesperson Little India traders said.
Council has earlier stated that it was working on to preserve the famed cultural enclave and discussions are on with local tenants to determine the future of Melbourne's spice capital and acknowledges that the precinct is a part of the community and is worth retaining.
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