‘Big-box’ rally plans

Erin Pearson
TORQUAY traders will run a rally meeting against plans for a Bunnings store at the entrance to the town, according to Mitre 10 franchisee Evan Crick.
Mr Crick said the rally would follow an emotional council hearing last week of submissions against Bunnings’ application to build at West Coast Business Park.
Many of the nine submitters struggled to hold back tears as they addressed the hearing, he said.
Submitters had raised concerns about the impact of a Bunnings store on the appearance of the entrance to Torquay as well as on existing businesses in the town.
“The main concern of residents was what the development could do to the fabric of Torquay,” Mr Crick said.
“Do we really need big-box development? Local businesses need to know what threat they face.”
Mr Crick said Geelong planning consultant Chubb Fadjas and Melbourne retail consultant Rob Jolly had warned that big-box development on Torquay’s doorstep was “inevitable” after Bunnings opened.
“Many other businesses will follow,” he said
“Locals are worried about the shifting retail focus. We are really concerned about big-box development,” he said.
Surf Coast Shire planning and development manager Brydon King said a report on the submissions hearing would now go to a council meeting.
“At this stage it’s scheduled to be heard at the next council meeting on July 28 but that could alter if changes were to be made or if Bunnings or the council wanted to pursue more information,” he said.
Mayor Libby Coker did not respond to the Independent’s calls for comment.
Council has come under fire for amending its planning scheme behind closed doors in December to allow signs larger than 10 square metres.
Residents feared the change would allow Bunnings to erect an oversized sign at Torquay’s entrance.
Bunnings has since lodged a planning application for a store in the industrial estate.
The Independent revealed last week that trade supplies store Reece Plumbing had lodged an application for a double-storey building with a sign over six metres high.