August 29th 2024.
Former Carlton football star, Anthony Koutoufides, is determined to bring life back to the city by offering some enticing perks to workers and businesses. In his bid for Lord Mayor, Koutoufides has unveiled a four-part policy that he believes will encourage people to return to the CBD and revitalize the area.
Speaking passionately about his vision for the city, Koutoufides expressed his commitment to making a positive change if elected in the upcoming council election. He believes that immediate action is necessary to prevent the city from further decline and is determined to make it a thriving hub once again.
Koutoufides has been actively engaging with business owners in the suburbs and CBD, and has been hearing their concerns about the future of their businesses. Many have expressed their hesitation to renew their leases, and this is something that Koutoufides wants to address urgently. He stated, "Small businesses are leaving the city in concerning numbers and if we don't act now, it will only get worse."
One of his proposals is to offer a one-time grant of up to $5000 to 1000 businesses that sign a new lease in the CBD in 2025. This initiative aims to fill empty properties with thriving businesses, bringing more people back to the city.
Koutoufides also plans to work with the Victorian government to introduce subsidized travel on public transport for a trial period, initially on Fridays. He believes that this will make it more affordable for people to commute to and from the CBD, encouraging them to visit and support local businesses.
But it's not just about businesses, Koutoufides wants to show appreciation to the workers who make the city run. As part of his third initiative, he promises to treat workers to a free coffee each Monday when they come into the CBD. After all, Melbourne is known for its love of coffee, and Koutoufides wants to use this to his advantage.
Finally, Koutoufides recognizes the importance of major events and special activations in the city. He plans to continue supporting and investing in these events, as they are significant drivers of activity and economic value for the city. "Weekends are just as important, and we want to build on this by putting extra resources into this space," he said.
In conclusion, Anthony Koutoufides is determined to bring back the energy and vibrancy to the city by offering attractive incentives and support to businesses, workers, and major events. He believes that by taking action now, we can prevent the city from further decline and make it a thriving hub once again.
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