- Is it for a worthwhile cause? - - Does it kill retail in Bowral?

The answer to both questions is YES.

Let's deal with the second question first.

Many of our well known locally owned businesses closed the day of the long lunch last year. Others questioned why they bothered opening. Even one of the multi-nationals confessed to me that there were people around but they were eating and drinking - not buying. How do I know? I walked the strip and asked. Maybe that is what the Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Industry should be doing. But perhaps that is for another time.

Weekends are vitally important to retailers and cafes everywhere in The Highlands, not just Bowral. Rents in some cases are equal in square meter charges to what tenants are paying in places like the QVB building in Sydney. This is not a complaint it is a fact.

Shoppers are required to navigate Bong Bong Street at a speed that would do

Cathy Freeman proud to avoid getting booked by the over zealous parking ranger.

Mayor Gair speaks enthusiastically of the revenue raised from parking fines.

Eight weeks from Christmas organisers of the long lunch block off a large section of the main street. The business owners won't complain and who could blame them? Who wants to look like the Grinch eight weeks away from Christmas? However in an extremely tough retail market this is just another hurdle.

Organisers pat themselves on the back and talk about how much money has been raised, celebrities that have attended and what a wonderful event it is. All very impressive. Undeniable however, and I am happy to debate it anytime any place, the Bowral Long Lunch kills retail in Bong Bong Street.

So that brings us to the first question. There is no doubt that the Bowral Long Lunch raises some vital funds for the BDCU Children's Foundation and the Children's Ward at Bowral Hospital. Nobody in their right mind would have an issue with that, but surely in the Wingecarribee we could find somewhere that we could run the event which may in fact enhance it. Bradman Oval, Corbett Gardens? How about Berrima Park? After all the B in BDCU does stand for Berrima doesn't it? Surely we could find a venue that doesn't mean that for some the only viable option for the day is to close their business.

Jon Nichols

Bowral