Murwillumbah businesses have reported increased sales as part of a state government pilot program aimed at boosting the local business economy through new volunteer business levies via Community Improvement Districts (CIDs).
The NSW government says the first round of program funding has supported ten new CIDs, with local business in the Murwillumbah project reporting an increased average daily spend in the twelve months to February 2025 of $529,000.
The figure compares to $687,000 in St Mary’s and $312,000 in Randwick, two other CIDs named in a government media release.
The program is meant to support ‘vibrant streets and precincts’, the release said, and new laws passed parliament last weekend designed to make it faster and easier for local businesses to set up CIDs.
Two-thirds majority vote needed to introduce levies
Individual businesses in a designated area vote in a ballot to set up a CID, with a two-thirds majority needed to have one approved and a levy introduced.
Participating businesses contribute to a central funding pool for projects meant to benefit them all, as well as the community around them, with levies expected to cost between approximately $400 and $700 per business.
The government says the CIDs model has been used overseas for 50 years, including in the Times Square Alliance in New York, where 2500 local businesses have contributed to funds for projects such as seating, lighting, street art and signage, or create unique place identities through marketing and communication.
Research reportedly shows businesses generate four times more revenue in a street with an operating CID model.
Hospitality hubs post-Kings Cross nightlife era
Sydney currently has an Inner West Ale Trail bringing together seventeen independent breweries across the six suburbs of Marrickville, Newtown, St Peters, Camperdown, Enmore and Rozelle to ‘promote the indie beer boom,’ the media release read.
The Ale Trail’s three-weekend Inner West Country Fest started on Saturday and was described in the release as ‘a celebration of music, food, and community,’ and a ‘free, open-door showcase of the Inner West’s creative spirit, diverse culture and good times’.
The government’s second round of grants under the pilot program features $2 million to improve Carlton Parade, Carlton;
Guildford Road, Guildford; Miller Street, Gilgandra and Clarinda Street, Parkes.
Minister for Transport, Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy, John Graham was quoted saying local businesses know what their communities need to thrive and the new legislation and funding will enable them to coordinate and raise money ‘to make the enhancements their main streets and town centres need’.
‘This is part of the government’s fight to bring our night-time economy back to life,; Mr Graham said, ‘but it’s not about rebuilding the old model which was highly concentrated in Kings Cross and the CBD.’
‘This is about supporting a range of unique precincts to thrive.’
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