Instead they are matching or bettering last year’s sales figures, bolstered by the flow-on effect of Rudd Government economic stimulus packages.

Commercial and industrial real estate specialist Andrew McDonald concedes Dubbo is seeing good and bad times as the district moves into a new fiscal year and international markets look towards an easing of financial difficulties.

“I’m constantly out asking business people how they are travelling and it’s been a pleasant surprise to learn that most are busy,’’ Mr McDonald said.

“People are hesitant to speak too soon but hope has stabilised and there is cautious optimism.

“Activity picked up in the first few days of the financial year and there are signs of improvement.’’

According to Mr McDonald, commercial real estate sales remain flat and there aren’t as many deals as 12 or 18 months ago.

“But there’s a reasonable amount of leasing activity,’’ he said.

“Positive signs are evident that commercial sales will pick up in the next six to 12 months.

“The cash stimulus packages have helped the local economy but the effect may only be short term. Only time will tell if the impact is long lasting.’’

Gowest regional development board chairman John Walkom said confidence among business and community leaders remains strong in Dubbo and district.

He said economic highs and lows - well documented over many years - are all part of an evolutionary business process.

“We’ve seen it all before and the same peaks and troughs will occur in the future,’’ he said.

Mr Walkom believes Dubbo is in good shape despite the closure of some businesses, downturns in the mining and construction industries and years of drought.

“The fact is we’ve seen more businesses opening than closing,’’ he said.

“In recent weeks a construction company has rented office space opposite Dubbo police station, a new jewellery store has been established on the corner of Macquarie and Bultje streets and New England Credit Union is preparing to move into new premises in the main street.

“Diversity is the key to Dubbo’s continuing success. We aren’t focused on one sector and that’s good. Business leaps forward during boom times but the city doesn’t go bust in the lean years - it keeps on keeping on during the toughest of times.’’

heather.crosby

@rura lpress.com