Much has been written on these pages about the long term
neglect of QVM funding but there is some good news.
An annual return to council of some $5m makes the Queen
Victoria Market one of the most profitable markets in the world. But years of
taking without giving have been severely criticised as the market succumbs to
retail pressures just like most retail entities across the globe.
The QVM Renewal could involve expenditure up to $250m and
that is great news but the long careful process of managing the largest project
ever conducted by the City Council will result in a significant time lag before
funds become available.
At its meeting on
15th December 2015, City Council resolved that QVM would not have to
make its December licence fee payment to Council. Funds of almost $400,000 will
be made available
for modest short-term management initiatives to improve the volume, amenity,
safety and viability of the market, whilst also contributing to a higher than
budgeted QVM net profit for the 2015-16 financial year.
This
is certainly welcome news for QVM and a recognition of funding necessities. Just
where that money will be spent is not clear but maybe an emergency generator
for the fresh food halls would be on the list? What would be on your list?