THE news of Woolworths looking to Bermagui has Narooma wondering what it happening to its Woolies supermarket.
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Especially considering that the Narooma supermarket is one of the heaviest trading stores per square metre anywhere with the shelves being virtually emptied this Easter Friday.
A Woolworths spokeswoman told the Narooma News that Woolworths was keen is offer local customers a full range Woolworths supermarket at Narooma, but unlike the Bermagui site, Narooma was not a Woolworths-owned site and any redevelopment/expansion had to be done in conjunction with the landlord, who happens to the Narooma Plaza.
Manager Mark Anderson said Narooma Plaza shopping centre was now looking at a smaller scheme with fewer box stores due to the current economic climate, however it would still feature a larger Woolworths supermarket located to the back of the current store where the large excavation had already been made.
“We’re in negotiations with Woolworths to make that happen,” he said.
“We’d like to commence next year but first we need to determine if the most recent scheme under review is viable, then we would require a section 96 modification to the current DA (development application) approved and commenced in 2010.
“In addition to the economic downturn, another challenge was the costs associated with infrastructure being demanded by State and local authorities, including approximately $1 million to upgrade the Wilcox Avenue and Princes Highway intersection and seven-year Princes Highway maintenance program we have to commit to.”
Bermagui site meant for home
The news that Woolworths has purchased the land behind the Bermagui Beach Hotel for a new 1600-square-metre still has Bermagui up in arms with almost unanimous opposition at last week’s chamber of commerce meeting.
The Narooma News can confirm that the land in question was earmarked in a council strategy paper in 2006 for a retirement village/aged care facilities and that the land was up until recently owned by retirement village company IRT.
A company spokesman said IRT purchased the land 20 years ago with the intent of building a lifestyle community on the site at some point in the future.
“In that time regulations and zoning requirements have changed and competitors have moved into the region, making the intended use of the land unviable,” he said. “A decision was made by the IRT Board to sell the property, which took place around nine months ago.”
The Bermagui Area Chamber of Commerce meanwhile will be facilitating information/assistance sessions for its members and the general community who wish to make a submission to Bega Valley Shire Council about the Woolworths development application.
Two information/assistance sessions are planned at the Bermagui Country Club, the first this Thursday, April 26 from 4.30pm to 6.30pm; and another Wednesday, May 2 from 2.30pm to 4pm.
Any relevant points or material with factual information that would be of benefit to the DA submissions can also be forward these to the Bermagui Visitor Information Centre (vic@bermaguichamber.org.au) as soon as possible.
Bermagui chamber president Scott Bradley said his organisation remained apolitical in the debate for and against the DA submitted by Woolworths.
“The chamber understands that a number of its members may be financially impacted upon by the potential development and that member of the broader Bermagui community holds concerns also,” he said.
“We will simply act to facilitate submissions for those against the DA. “It is a development application and those for are not required to act. I am contactable at any time should any person wish to discuss the matter on 0434 357 443.”
Submissions to Council must be received by 4.30pm on Wednesday, May 16.
Telephone enquiries can be directed to Cecily Hancock, the Council officer responsible for the Woolworths DA, on 6499 2222.
The Narooma News asked the people for their thoughts on plans for Woolworths supermarket in Bermagui…
“I feel the Bermagui lifestyle has its own brand and I think [the development] would be detrimental to the brand. I can understand convenience but it’s no more convenient than what we have now. Maybe you have to pay for convenience sometimes. I’ve always supported local business and I don’t think we need to support international business.”
Judi Hearn
Bermagui
“I think it’s a great idea. There’s got to be something going on for them to put a big supermarket in this small town. It would be good for employing young kids, especially since we don’t have our fishing anymore. We’ve got to keep the town going.”
Lyn Moore
Bermagui
“I think it shouldn’t go ahead. It’s not necessary for the current or projected size of Bermagui. The environmental and economic statements are based on misinterpreted data. The social impact would be devastating on local shop owners and therefore the whole community. It will spoil the Bermagui village ambience.”
Mike Barr
Fairhaven
“I disagree with the whole aspect of it. The meeting on Monday [April 16] was very good. As we are only a small community we have to stick together. A shop that size is not warranted because of what we already have. It will do some people out of jobs and some shops will have to close. People will move away and we’ll lose part of the community.”
Ron McGlashan
Bermagui
“I don’t think it’s a good idea. I don’t think the population can support it. The main street businesses will suffer.”
Sharon Hoogenboon
Bermagui
