What protection is there for small businesses?

I opened my hardware store, Peninsula Hardware, after Mitre 10 closed back in 2008.

My family and I have worked hard to build up the business to provide a much needed service to the local community.

During the years that we have been open we have received an enormous amount of positive feedback from our customers.

Our customers love our central, easy, accessible location and the variety of goods that we provide, from key cutting to general hardware products.

We have provided these goods and services at competitive prices.

Our customers have also expressed appreciation for our personal service.

We have extensive experience in the building trade and hardware industry and as a result, we have been able to offer our customers expert advice on our products and services.

Peninsula Hardware is a locally-owned family business.

As I am sure you are aware Bunnings Hardware have lodged a DA with Gosford Council to open a store in West St, Umina.

After all our hard work where will this leave us as a small business if Bunnings is allowed to open in Umina?

What happens to our business and our livelihood?

Can we stop the Bunnings store from opening in Umina to save local small businesses including our own?

How is it that a large business like Bunnings can come into the town with no consideration to the economic impact it will have on small businesses in the area?

What protection is there for small businesses in our town?

Many small businesses will fold because of the adverse effects of the big businesses opening up in Umina.

These large companies are pushing the small businesses out of town.

Is there any economic assistance for me and my small business if Bunnings opens and takes away my livelihood and forces me to close down my hardware store?

My business cannot compete against a large company like Bunnings in a small area like Umina.

The existence of a small business in Umina has been a part of the character of the town for many years.

Variety and competition are an important part of the retail business in an area.

But please tell me, how this is being achieved in Umina?

Three big players have moved into Umina and have control of the groceries, petrol, alcohol and hardware sales.

Where is the balance between big business and small business in Umina?

Where is the chance for small businesses to get a fair go on the Peninsula anymore?

We are disappointed in the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce that they are welcoming the news and ask the question of how they plan to help small businesses like mine stand against these big businesses.

I would certainly welcome the help.

Letter, 14 Jul 2011 Gail Wood, Umina