Extended trading hours in Geraldton has received official sign off today by WA Minister for Commerce Hon Bill Johnston MLA.

In a letter from the Minister, the application to adopt extended trading hours has now been officially approved after Council unanimously resolved to continue the trialled hours.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said it was a very positive outcome for the community.

“Council agreed that this was what our community wanted,” he said.

“We trialled the hours for 12-months and measured the community’s feedback which was in support of adopting the extended trading hours.

“Getting official approval opens up a lot more opportunities for Geraldton and it is a massive step in the right direction.

“Our goal is to stimulate broader local economic activity by activating business precincts and we’re already seeing this happen,” Mayor Van Styn added.

A 12-month trial of extended general retail trading hours was officially introduced in October 2017 after getting the tick of approval by the Minister.

As part of the trial, a comprehensive review was undertaken in the form of two independent surveys commissioned by the City including a survey on community views and on impact and views of the business community.

Survey reports confirmed 63 per cent of community respondents were in support of continuing extended trading hours.

Council endorsed the continuation of extended general retail trading hours at the September Council Meeting before seeking approval for the hours which align with Metropolitan Perth.

“This has been a long journey but a very rewarding one,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“It’s great to see the State Government has listened to the needs and wants of our community.”

Retail trading hours will be as follows: