It means most people who responded to our successful online survey last week believe Katherine’s CBD is in crisis.

Ten shops in Katherine’s main street are empty and residents fear for the CBD’s future.

Almost 150 people believe immediate action is needed to prevent Katherine becoming a “ghost town”.

Responding an online survey on the Katherine Times website last week, residents said they would like to see a variety of new retailers attracted to the town.

While blaming soaring rents, a lack of  leadership, crime and a “dated” main street, residents say the situation is dire.

People said they would like efforts made to lure new retailers to sell books, clothes and food.

They particularly miss restaurants, Travelworld, shoe shops, and the recent closure of Hourglass Jewellers at Katherine Central Shopping Centre.

High rent and a decline in business conditions forced the closure of Hourglass, owner Leith Malcolm said.

One Katherine real estate agent says prospective business operators only need to speak to landlords to discuss possible rent reductions.

Almost 200 people have responded so far to the online survey, many making a specific request for a second major supermarket, like Coles or Aldi, to build competition with existing retailers.

“My thoughts that business in Katherine are suffering because more and more locals go to Darwin for shopping items that Katherine just doesn't have or if it does its too expensive. I’m a young father and the cost of living is high,” one resident said.

“They tell us to shop local and there is absolutely nothing here for us to shop local,” another resident said.

Many people still want KFC to open a store here.

Residents said they want our leaders to become more involved in the retail area and help encourage new businesses to the town.

The survey drew comments from people about the main street’s “faded” appearance.

Some people called for a government or council program of rent subsidies.

“Lower the rent and business might stay open, 50 per cent of rent is better then nothing if the shop has to close,” one resident said. 

“Try to make landlords reduce rent prices, ask interstate landlords to visit the town and view the empty shops,” another resident responded. 

Some people want a public meeting held to gather fresh ideas on how to fix the problem.

Katherine Town Council CEO Robert Jennings said council has been working with the Chamber of Commerce to solve the growing issue of empty stores.