Arabic version: نمو ماونت باركر يرسم آفاقاً متباينة للشركات المحلية

According to ABC News, Mount Barker is among South Australia’s fastest-growing communities, with the district expected to reach about 51,000 residents by 2035. Yet some main street businesses say population growth has not translated into a broad retail boom.

Scott Fairley, whose family has operated a comfort shoe shop in the Adelaide Hills town since 1927, said sales had remained steady but higher overheads had cut into profit. He estimated gross losses of about 10 per cent over five years, citing rent, cost-of-living pressures, wage increases and a rise in the superannuation employers must pay staff from 9 to 12 per cent.

Mr Fairley said high mortgage interest rates were reducing customers’ disposable income. Alexandra Thornhill, who described her boutique as one of the few clothing shops left in Mount Barker, said six boutiques had closed in the area over the past year. She pointed to competition from fast fashion and online shopping, and called for more council promotion of the main centre.

The Mount Barker District Council said it was supporting businesses through advice, links to relevant programs, and opportunities for growth and investment. It said a business mentoring program this year provided tailored mentoring and advice to 18 local businesses. Business Mount Barker chair James Sexton said the town had three times the demographic of 25-to-38-year-olds of any other area in South Australia, and argued new businesses would continue to arrive.

Some operators reported benefits from the growing population. Cafe co-owner Oswaldo Estrella said more residents had helped lift his annual revenue by about 5 per cent. Volunteer Elizabeth Farrow said an op shop had seen greater foot traffic, helped by a generous landlord and younger people moving to the district.