Kim Gann, owner of Bi-Rite Electrical in Auburn Street, has gathered over 200 signatures for the petition, opposing the proposal only on the basis it omits parking arrangements.

It also rejects any moves to close parts of the CBD for pedestrians, as council general manager Warwick Bennett has floated. 

“I don’t think people have been heard properly in this debate. People who are in business need to be listened to, Mrs Gann said.

“The council says there is enough parking in the CBD but with businesses now occupying the fringes, it is a lot busier. We have a lot of elderly customers and disabled people too and while I understand shoppers can’t always park out the front, it must be in a reasonable distance.”

She argued spaces were also at a premium since the Workers Club built its frontage onto Auburn Street.

Mrs Gann started the petition after attending a recent Goulburn and District Chamber of Commerce meeting to discuss the CBD. She did not agree with council management comments that people should walk to the venue and “get over” the parking issue.

The petition will form part of a submission on the performing arts centre development application. The council plans to convert the McDermott Centre, also in Auburn Street, into a 400-seat venue.

Mrs Gann said she was not against the venue, describing it as a wonderful idea. But she believed not all performances would be held at night, thereby affecting business.

She has worked at and owned businesses in the CBD for some 20 years. 

However, Mr Bennett and others say there are ample spaces to cater for the venue. Performing Arts venue working party member Chris Gordon identified over 300 on a CBD drive at 7pm Friday, a video of which which he posted on Facebook.

Local entertainment promoter Geoff Bell says people should put “self-interest” aside.

“I don’t believe parking is a huge problem,” he said.

“I live near the CBD and I’d walk. People forget there’s a lot of residential close to the main street and people would walk. I think there are huge benefits in having a performing arts venue. It could be a big money spinner and the last thing we need is for this chance to go begging because of self interest.”

Mr Bell believes Goulburn has the population to support it and the venue would also draw audiences from Southern Highlands and Canberra. Moreover, it would enable promoters to book artists on a touring circuit around the region.

“My other argument is if we want to attract professional people and their families to town we need to have high quality arts and cultural facilities. Why would you leave the city if there was no performing arts venue here?

“That’s why I argue about self interest. This is not about being able to go down the street on a Friday night and getting a park outside the restaurant to pick up your Chinese.”