The Melbourne Markets move has been delayed once again, but the latest deadline is thought to be the final one. The August 31 deadline, pushed back from August 3, will allow the traders to move in as a united front, and ensure all are able to operate from the day the new Epping site opens. “It was the right decision, just perhaps a little bit late to announce. There are a lot of critical components that go into getting a move like this done,” said Kapiris Bros Manager for Sales and Marketing, Steve Tsakoumakis.
Any inconvenience was acceptable, Mr Tsakoumakis told Fresh Plaza, following the announcement by Minister for Major Projects Jacinta Allen that 20 percent of traders would not meet the earlier deadline. “At the end of the day I think it is good for the industry to move together. We were scheduled and planned to open on August 3, but we understand the situation and the delay was totally warranted.”
In terms of compensation for any loss of earnings or issues caused by the delay, Mr Tsakoumakis told Fresh Plaza that due to no loss of trade at the current site, none would be needed. “We’ve contacted all our services to make sure they’re aware of the delay. Redirecting the trucks has occurred, managed through our logistics contractors so I don't believe we will be hit with any additional costs either due to the delay,” he added.
Until August 31, when the new purpose built Epping site opens, Kapiris Bros will be open for ‘business as usual’ from the current Footscray location, where the market has been since 1969.
Various organisations involved, including Fruit Growers Victoria and Ausveg had pushed to have the move delayed in recent weeks, and some traders had declared the site not fit to open for trading on August 3.
For more information:
Steve Tsakoumakis, Sales and Marketing Manager
Kapiris Bros
Phone: +61 3 9689 6711
Website: www.kapirisbros.com.au