Rents for Little India traders in Dandenong have almost doubled in some cases, according to Ann-Marie Hermans, South-Eastern Metropolitan MLC.
Ms Hermans told Parliament that the rent hikes started “well before the alleged $600 million redevelopment of the 30-year-old shopping strip has even started”
“In light of the current cost-of-living crisis and the government’s indolent claims about COVID’s effect on our state’s economy, how is it fair to double rents for traders at this time, particularly when the shopping strip will be remodelled shortly anyway?
“Although the addition of housing in Dandenong is welcome, my local Indian traders have been left wondering whether any of their businesses will be able to be aligned with the new build, arguing that the Government has not provided any details on whether Little India businesses will be preserved or supported,” Ms Hermans said.