A COURT case is all that stands between the Goondiwindi Coles and Sunday trading, and the town's Chamber of Commerce is watching on with great interest.

Debate about Sunday trading has been raging in Goondiwindi for months, with strong views on both sides.

The issue is expected to come to a head during a hearing at the Goondiwindi Court House on August 27 and 28.

Earlier this year Coles applied to extend trading hours to seven days a week, sparking strong opposition from a number of local businesses - including the Goondiwindi Co-op.

For the Border Rivers Chamber of Commerce the issue has attracted a lot of debate and interest, with members split on the issue.

Chamber of Commerce executive officer Brooke Saxby said there were strong views on both sides of the debate.

"According to social media posts, the big concern from our community is the impact on other businesses, particularly the Goondiwindi Co-op, and their loss of market share," she said

"A lot of people think that with Coles opening, it might force other people to open their businesses on a Sunday."

If Coles' bid is successful, a number of other Coles Group stores including the Reject Shop, Shell service station and Target Country could also be allowed to open on Sunday.

While there has also been debate about leaving Sundays as family days, one of the biggest focuses of the debate has been Sunday penalty rates.

"Our main focus and the main issue people have with Sunday trading is penalties rate," Ms Saxby said.

"Penalty rates are one of the main reasons businesses aren't able to justify opening on Sunday.

Penalty rates have been the subject of a national debate as the Federal Government looks into changes to penalty rates.

The Chamber is looking on with great interest, as the issue of Sunday penalty rates effects makes it near impossible for small businesses to even consider trading on Sundays. 

""We are interested in fair circumstances for all businesses to operate when they choose."," Ms Saxby said.

"Because we're a small community we really feel the effect - Sunday trading may not become a reality for some business owners."

Ms Saxby said she would be attending the hearing and was very interested in seeing the results.

"I'm aware Commissioner Thompson is from a regional background and I trust he'll make the right decision for the community," she said.