The Central Albany Business Owners Alliance (CABOA) claimed a negative change in the City of Albany’s support for the establishment of a Business Improvement District (BID) over the past two years was a reason for its decision.

However, CABOA chairman Davyd Hooper said his group would try to make something positive come from the situation and be proactive about selling the idea to retailers.

“Better for us to withdraw our application at this time and take the opportunity to reassess the boundaries which we couldn’t have done in the remainder of the financial year,” he said.

“Also, it will give us an opportunity as a group to firm up who or what we are.”

Mr Hooper said CABOA’s new aim was to become incorporated and develop a brand.

“In order to do that will require some funds. Intitially we had hoped to receive that from the City,” he said.

But Mr Hooper said it appeared the City was no longer interested in the group’s aims after initiating and supporting it since 2007.

CABOA had asked Council at its April meeting for a 15 per cent differential rate to be imposed on CBD businesses to fund its promotion plans and employ a promotions manager.

It followed a survey of businesses which revealed widespread support for the concept.

The 2007 survey had a 63 per cent response rate, with 85 per cent in favour of the BID proposal.

But Council moved to run its own survey of businesses before proceeding.

Of the 116 businesses to reply, 56.9 per cent said no to paying extra rates, with a median levy of $571 expected.

Mr Hooper said much confusion had been generated by Council’s decision to redo CABOA’s survey while inviting expressions of interest in its own CBD master plan.

“What they have done in issuing a letter to property owners in regards to the CBD master plan concept at the same time as issuing a letter in regards to CABOA has really muddied the waters,” he said.