SOME locals are critical of the Augusta-Margaret River Shire’s decision to sell the shire’s current administration centre site to Woolworths.
Shire councillors accepted Woolworths’ $5.782 million tender at a special meeting last week, with the intent to advertise the proposal for public comment.
Woolworths plans to build a multi million dollar shopping complex on the site.
Comments came in when the late-breaking story went up on The Mail’s website last Wednesday.
“Obviously a money driven decision,” was one.
“Come on Council, have you really asked the community their thoughts on this location and use?”
Another said they hoped the shire would “have the foresight to stop Woolies building their ‘mega-complex’ on this site”.
“Doesn’t the Margaret River town centre have enough traffic issues without adding to them?” the commenter wrote.
“Send them out of town to take the pressure off our already bursting CBD, hands off.”
Another said a new store, if needed, should be in Station Road or near Mitre 10.
“We have enough parking problems in town, especially holiday periods,” the commenter wrote.
“How come we locals read about the development after it has been decided?
“Not good enough.”
Woolworths spokesperson Clare Buchanan said further details on the proposal could not be provided, as planning was under way for the next few months.
However, The Mail understands underground parking will be part of the proposal.
“We’ve certainly been very interested in Margaret River for a good number of years now,” Ms Buchanan said.
“It’s just been a question of looking for an appropriate site and working with Council.
“Woolworths is delighted to be working with Augusta-Margaret River Shire Council to build a new supermarket on Townview Terrace.
“The store will create more than 200 new full time, part time and casual jobs for residents, plus hundreds of flow-on indirect jobs during the construction phase.
“We look forward to building a fantastic new store featuring the latest energy efficient retail technology and providing the Margaret River community with choice, service and low prices.
“Detailed plans are yet to be finalised but we anticipate the store will contain a butchery, bakery, deli counter and seafood counter, plus a bank of the highly popular self service checkouts.
“The next step in the process is to further develop the plans and submit a development application to Council during which time Council will undertake community consultation.
“However Woolworths is more than happy to hear the views of Margaret River residents throughout the process and can be contacted by email at newstores@woolworths.com.au”
Co uncil adopted the master plan and schematic drawings for the new Civic and Administration Centre and has formally committed to the project which will take from 24 to 30 months to complete.
Shire president Steve Harrison said the decision was of monumental importance to the town’s orderly growth and development.
“The construction of the new supermarket and associated facilities plus the building of the shire’s own new premises is a $34 million investment in the local community and the shire’s future,” Cr Harrison said.
“The proposal is for a 3800sqm supermarket with 705sqm of associated specialty shopping and 575sqm of commercial floor space.
“Additionally 209 new parking bays will be provided which will ease congestion on parking in the main streets and other parking areas.
“Local tradespersons will be able to seek employment on the two projects.
“The benefits of the Council decision are enormous including greater competition in the retail sector and more choice for residents; keeping more money in Margaret River by reducing the retail shopping leakage out of Margaret River to Busselton and Bunbury; strengthening the commercial heart of the town by allowing the town to expand in an orderly way preventing development to leapfrog outside of the town centre; relieving traffic congestion at peak seasonal times by expanding the town in an easterly direction; providing local employment in the construction phase and on completion; providing valuable funds to finance the new administration centre, and solving overcrowded staff working conditions and poor disability access arrangements.”
Cr Harrison said the developments will send a strong message to the community and to State Government of their confidence in the future.
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