A GROUP of market stallholders is awaiting judgement on an appeal it hopes will prevent a “forced move” to the new wholesale market site at Epping.
Nine stallholders representing more than 90 per cent of market businesses lodged an injunction against the Melbourne Market Authority’s plans to move the wholesale market from Footscray Road, West Melbourne, to Epping.
Supreme Court Justice James Elliott overturned the group’s injunction on July 2.
However, the group appealed the decision on July 30.
The three appeal judges reserved their findings and are set to release them in coming weeks.
Stallholders are resisting a move to Epping because they are set to pay higher rent at the new site.
The average rent for fruit and vegetable stands at the Footscray Road market was $385 per square metre a year, which could rise to $435 at Epping.
The current leases at the Footscray Road market expires in July next year.
Construction of the main market building at Epping is 98 per cent complete, according to Major Projects Minister David Hodgett.
Works are set to be completed by next month.
Mr Hodgett says that if the new market cannot begin operating by late next year, it will have an impact on the 500 wholesale market stallholders who now operate from the Footscray Road site.
He said the delays were caused by “a handful of market tenants” who wanted to disrupt the relocation.
John Roach, one of the plaintiffs, said the group action was being taken on behalf of all stallholders.
“[Mr Hodgett] knows this and is just playing games,” he said.
Mr Roach said the stallholders employed about 2000 people and “operate in an extremely competitive environment”.
He said to have them working together on the court action was “unheard of” and reflected the seriousness of the situation.
The state government has invested $470 million in the new Epping market site.
– bfitzgerald@mmpgroup.com.au
THE STORY SO FAR
Epping wholesale market: Rent cut too small, traders complain
Epping fruit and veg market reaps recycled harvest
Epping wholesale market: Traders revolt against government plan
