By PETER DOUGLAS
OBJECTORS to a proposed new IGA liquor store in Montrose were to meet with representatives from the supermarket giant last night.
Yarra Ranges Shire was to chair a planning application meeting, which was held at the Montrose Town Centre.
IGA has proposed moving its liquor department from its present site in the supermarket to a separate building.
Concerns surround the impact of having a liquor store in one of the most prominent locations in the town’s shopping strip.
One objector, Trish Rathmell, said the community just wanted to have a say.
“IGA brands itself as a community supermarket, yet they’ve failed to consult the community in regards to this decision,” she said.
“They haven’t asked the community if they want this.”
Yarra Ranges councillor Len Cox was to lead the community consultation meeting.
Cr Cox said it was only early days.
“As part of council planning objections, we get the applicant and objector to see if they can work out a mutually satisfying outcome,” he said.
From the perspective of the objectors, some of the concerns raised were:
*A large packaged liquor store sends the wrong message to the community;
*Concerns the location is the largest, most prominent in the shopping centre;
*Amenity impacts associated with increased liquor sales and use;
*Increase of number of liquor licenses in Montrose.
The ‘Mail’ has contacted media staff from IGA, who failed to respond to inquiries.
