The proposal to move the markets from the Griffith Showgrounds to Banna Avenue was rejected on the grounds it would use public land and steal business from the main shops.

But Griffith Business Chamber president Pat Pittavino said the overwhelming consensus among business owners was that a Banna Avenue market would be good for local shops.

“It would bring people into the main street and Griffith would be a better place for it,” Mr Pittavino said.

“It would bring business to the main street, it would make the place a whole lot more vibrant, it would be the best thing ever for the city.”

When The Area News spoke to business owners on Banna Avenue, the majority of respondents said they were supportive of the idea on the grounds it would bring potential customers to the main street.

One of them was Veggie Basket manager Ketan Patel, who said the Visitor Centre car park would be one ideal location for a market.

“Many farmers talk to me, and some guys say it’s very far to go to the showgrounds,” Mr Patel said.

“They say it’s a very small shed and very hard for people to come over there, so it’ll be better if they move nearer here to the Visitor Centre.”

Not everyone was so enthusiastic about the idea; Broomes’ Fruit and Vegetable owner Michael Macedone had some misgivings.

“Generally I’ve got no objection whatsoever to farmers setting up a market, but I’m a bit worried that it’s unfair to the business houses who do pay their rates, dues, and rents,” Mr Macedone said.

Griffith City Council mayor John Dal Broi said he could not in good conscience allow stallholders to set up commercial activity on public land.

“I’m not against a market; if they want to set up somewhere on private land that’s fine,” Councillor Dal Broi said.

Cr Dal Broi said there were many logistical problems in setting up a market on Banna Avenue, and that he didn’t support the push to create one.

Any move to setup a market in Banna Avenue would have go through the development application process and would be subject to a full council vote.

Bella Vita owner Cassandra Smeeth said she was furious at council’s decision.

“Let’s stop killing our town by being short sighted and narrow minded and be proactive in promoting our local economy,” Ms Smeeth said.

She said other regional centres had markets in the centre of town, and that Griffith would be foolish not to follow suit.

Clarifcation: This story has been updated to reflect that mayor John Dal Broi cannot unilaterally approve or reject council decisions and any market would have to be voted on by Griffith City Councillors.