What the Activity Centre Program Means for Local Business

Thornbury has its own rhythm, and small businesses set the beat. From cafés and bars to long-standing family shops, the local economy depends on streets that feel welcoming, walkable and full of life. When planning decisions fail to respect that rhythm, it’s not just residents who feel the impact — it’s every trader who relies on sunlight, foot traffic, short-stay parking, and a streetscape that invites people to linger. The proposed Activity Centre Program puts all of this at risk. That’s why so many of our local businesses are standing with the community to call for fair growth that strengthens Thornbury, protects its character, and keeps our local business rhythm strong.

That’s why we’ve been out speaking directly with local traders — to make sure they understand the scale of the proposed changes, to hear what it could mean for them as small vendors, and to ensure their own concerns as part of the wider community are clearly heard.

The flyer that FGT handed out to local businesses across the Activity Centre