The Millicent business and retail sector is looking positive according to one “barometer”.

The shop vacancy rate in the main thoroughfare of George Street has fallen to just 3% which is its lowest level in living memory.

Millicent Business Community Association chairperson Lee Morgan painted an upbeat picture in his recent annual report to its 85 members.

“One of the main reasons I got involved with the MBCA was my concern about the vacant shops in the main street,” Mr Morgan said.

“Back in 2016 and as a senior public servant, I could see the value in placing banners of the Millicent-based South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Board in one of the empty shops.

“Ultimately, this interest ended up that I became MBCA chairperson in 2017.

“Traditionally at every annual general meeting of the MBCA, I report on the shop vacancy rate in Millicent.

“In recent years, it has been 18% in 2019, 17% in 2020 and 11.5% in 2021.

“This year I can report its just one or two shops and so it is about 3%.

“Basically, the street is full and indicates that our shops and businesses are doing well.”

Mr Morgan said some businesses had expanded from home-based enterprises and into the Millicent CBD.