Anger rises as markets close

THIS Saturday will be the last time the weekly Kingston markets are held.

Unable to pay for a council required permit to trade weekly, the charity markets will pack up for the rest of the year, and return next year on a monthly basis.

Co-ordinator Rob Mendelson said she was disappointed Logan City Council was still requiring the $5942 permit payment from them even though their profits went to charity and they were trying to help the community.

“I'm so upset about it all, there's only so much you can do,” she said.

“Unless we can prove that we're a bona fide charity organisation, which takes a lot of money, they've made it financially difficult to achieve what we want to do.”

The markets are held on private property on Bega Road, and were held for eight weeks before the organisers were told they needed a permit.

Since then negotiations have taken place with the council, but the results are not what Ms Mendelson hoped.

“I could put my hand in my own back pocket and pay for the permit, but I shouldn't have to do that for the reason why we're having the markets,” she said.

“It shouldn't get to that.”

Because they can legally hold 14 markets a year without a permit, she said they would hold them monthly from January next year.

“At least once a month is better than nothing,” she said.

“It just shows you can't do what you want on your own property.”

Her disappointment has been backed up from the market's stall holders, whose rental fees go to local charity groups.

They were happy to let The Reporter know their opinions last weekend about the imminent closure (see right).

But the council said the Kingston markets, as with any commercial activity in Logan, were required to comply with the relevant Planning Scheme and local laws.

“These are in place to ensure the proposed activity's impacts do not adversely affect neighbouring properties or the environment,” a spokesman said.

“This includes a broad range of potential impacts from traffic issues, car parking, noise, amenity, security, rubbish, and that adequate site management, facilities and amenities are provided.”

He said provision was made for reduced fees if the activity was for recognised charitable organisations and the community benefit could be demonstrated.

“Council must balance the benefit to the community with the costs imposed on ratepayers,” he said.

“Logan City Council supports activities such as events and markets as part of a vibrant and diverse community, (but) council has a role in regulating these activities to ensure potential impacts are managed.”