Traders worried

By Lia Bichel
CASEY council has thrown its support behind traders who fear a 12-month lease agreement could leave the future of their jobs in jeopardy.
At last week’s council meeting, Springfield Ward Councillor Sam Aziz said a tenant from Casey Central Shopping Centre contacted him on behalf of concerned traders.
Cr Aziz said many tenants were concerned about their future after being offered only a one-year lease agreement as opposed to a three-year plan.
The council agreed to write to the owner AMP to urge it to extend its lease agreements.
“From the council’s point of view, we want to support businesses in Casey and ensure their livelihood is not shaken,” Cr Aziz said. “The current situation is not acceptable. There should be greater certainty to tenants. There are a number of people who are employed by these businesses.”
Casey Central Lotti director Agnello D’souza said he originally signed a three-year lease agreement, but was only offered a 12 month agreement when his current lease ends next month.
Mr D’souza said he enjoyed working at Casey Central Shopping Centre but wanted more certainty from AMP.
“The problem is, we don’t know where we stand,” he said. “We want to have stability.”
His son Austin, who co-owns Casey Central Lotto, agreed.
“A 12-month lease is worth nothing to a business,” he said. “For a business to have value on it, it needs security.”
Austin said he was also worried about a proposed extension to the Casey Central Shopping Centre and how it would affect business. “We keep getting told there will be a development to the centre, but we are out of the loop,” he said.
A spokesperson for Casey Central said it was speaking with retailers about new lease agreements and the centre’s expansion plans.
“A planning permit was received for the expansion of Casey Central in December 2009, which was one of the many steps in a lengthy process,” the spokesperson added.
“As the expansion is still in planning stages, there is no starting date at this stage.
“Since last Friday, we have begun to talk to retailers who have leases due for renewal, which includes explaining what a new lease will mean in light of a planned expansion.
“We wish to reassure retailers they will be provided new leases as part of any expansion, on a first right of refusal basis.”