Jennifer Pittorino
Maribyrnong residents are furious over the proposed plans to build a new Woolworths Supermarket in the West Footscray Village.
Locals have expressed their disapproval for the proposal in its current state, following concerns surrounding the impacts it will have on the neighbourhood, its residents and its small businesses.
Footscray residents Pierre Vairo, Colleen Hartland and Nick Pit share common concerns around the proposal surrounding the supermarket giant.
“There is a certain amount of money in West Footscray that the residents have to spend, if a Woolworths comes, they will be taking all the money that is now being spent at smaller shops on the strip,” said Mr Vairo.
He is also concerned with the proposed right hand turn lane and the addition of 280 car spots, reiterating it directly contradicts the council’s plans to improve the streetscape.
“Council has done a lot of work with traders and residents on a neighbourhood plan, this completely undermines it, especially in regards to cycling and pedestrian safety,” said Ms Hartland, who is concerned the traffic in the area will worsen.
Similarly, President of the Altona Traders Association Pradeep Tiwari said the site had previously been marked as a residential development area approved by council to build 45 townhouses in the area.
“This made residents very happy because there is a need for housing in the area, if Woolworths goes ahead we will lose those large residential properties,” he said.
Maribyrnong Mayor, Councillor Sarah Carter said council is disappointed Woolworths chose to lodge an appeal with VCAT rather than working with council to provide an outcome beneficial to the community.
After a Planning Permit Application was lodged,council officers raised concerns with the applicant, echoing the impact that traffic and parking would have on the West Footscray Neighbourhood Activity Centre.
“Council will defend its position at VCAT and welcomes community participation in the planning application process,” she said.
A representative from Woolworths said they lodged an appeal with VCAT because deadlines weren’t met.
“As with any development application, specific deadlines have to be met to keep the application moving. These were unfortunately not met so we took the next step of lodging with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) late last month,” they said.
