The Nationals Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, has spoken in Parliament and called on the Minister for Public and Active Transport, Gabrielle Williams, to retract the recent decision by V/Line to enter into a vending machine agreement with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.
This agreement will have a significant impact on a local business that has been servicing the area for over two decades.
Ms O’Keeffe is asking Ms Williams to withdraw V/Line’s decision, which will result in the loss of business for Greg Coghlan, the owner of Goulburn Valley Vending Service.
Mr Coghlan, who has managed the snack and beverage machines at two regional V/Line sites, including the Shepparton Railway Station, has been given a 30-day notice to vacate, which will effectively shut down his operations.
“Greg and his team have been a part of our local economy, providing a reliable service for 25 years and employing local staff,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“The decision to replace his business with that of an international corporation not only impacts his livelihood but also highlights the lack of support for small businesses which is just wrong.
“Greg was not even given an opportunity to provide a proposal. This is a classic example of the Allan Labor Government neglecting Victorian small local businesses.”
Ms O’Keeffe said that the impact on local small businesses and the community must be considered in such decisions, and a transparent and fair process must be implemented.
“Small businesses are the backbone of communities and have faced significant challenges in recent years,” she said.
“Instead of closing them down and substituting their operations with those of multinational corporations, we should be reinforcing their presence and value in our community.
“The abrupt nature of this transition and the lack of support for affected local businesses is unfair. I am calling on the Minister for Public and Active Transport to retract this appalling decision.”