Cashless trading has been introduced in Eynesbury but one local believes the move will alienate some sections of the community.
As of Monday, June 24, all businesses within Eynesbury Quarter, which is operated by developer Resimax Group, do not accept cash as a payment method. This includes The General Convenience Store, Ms Peacock Kitchen & Bar, Birdy & Co Cafe, and the Golf Pro Shop.
Resimax Group said its analysis of transaction data from all Eynesbury Quarter businesses indicated only 11 per cent of customers pay with cash.
Eynesbury resident Anna Madigan said the move is not considerate of all those in the community.
“It’s discrimination against the elderly and the children because it’s blocking them from making purchases at their local stores,” she said.
“Not everybody can pay by card.”
Ms Madigan said some of those affected, including her mother, did not have the technological know-how to adapt to the change.
“I won’t be able to take her for a meal at the local restaurant any more because she doesn’t have a choice,” she said.
“Children can’t even go to the milk bar anymore because parents aren’t going to give their kids the credit cards.”
A Resimax spokesperson said that they did not want to dismiss the agency of elderly Eynesbury residents.
“We recognise the challenges some age groups may face with technology changes. However, it would be dangerous to assume that members of our ageing population cannot learn and use new technology,” the spokesperson said.
“By embracing innovation as a business, we can ensure that we cater to the needs of the people who live in our communities in an efficient and effective way.”
Resimax cited RMIT research, which predicts that a cashless society in Australia is inevitable, and new government legislation for occupational health and safety as reasons for the move.
