Finding the balance - we can do this!

Geoff Moed, from the newly formed Phillip Island Business Network, said the challenge with opening up and developing new outdoor eating areas was finding the right balance.

“Not everyone has the same attitude to street closures, or partial closures,” he admitted.

“There’s no fixed ideas, but we need to get people back to Cowes and create a great atmosphere and a safe environment – for customers and businesses.”

Geoff said he was impressed by the council’s response to the latest announcement.

“There’s a genuine effort by Bass Coast Shire Council to gauge what people’s opinions are. I’ve been dealing with local government for 30 years now and this is the first time anyone has ever expressed this positive attitude to helping people get things done.

“They’re saying, ‘let’s work out how we can do this’, not ‘you can’t do that’. It’s a massive turnaround.”

He believes the focus needs to be on getting people into Cowes, and out of their cars.

“It has to be pedestrian-focused. Pedestrians spend the money, not people driving past in their cars. It’s about getting people to come to the area, be a pedestrian down Thompson Avenue, and create an atmosphere that is exciting and comfortable.”

While it might take some time to find the right solution, Geoff said getting the outdoor dining right “could be a game-changer” for the atmosphere in Cowes.

He said other areas across the island including Cape Woolamai and Newhaven, as well as San Remo, were all well placed to create unique outdoor areas. And having an open, safe outdoor eating area would help other retailers as well, as people would be able to move around easily and access other shops.

“Part of the challenge is to get people to think outside of their four walls. Your business goes all the way out to the street. It’s your signage, website, how you answer the phone, how you talk to your neighbours.”

Coming together was the key to creating something special, he believes.

“For example, we’ve got a lot of local businesses that specialise in events. They’re right here, they’re not working … it’s a prime opportunity to get them to help set up these spaces.

“It’s about working together. A problem shared is a problem halved.”

Geoff believes that most business owners are being stoic and are keen to “get on with it”.

“There’s a universal acceptance that if we can keep on top of Covid, it could be a safe summer with a lot of visitors.”

He encouraged businesses to join the newly created Phillip Island Business Network.

“It’s an opportunity to talk, swap ideas, get new ideas, look at training opportunities. It’s the perfect time to have a say.”

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