‘Super fix’ for growth

By Michelle Herbison
COUNCIL’S “fixation with shopping” ignores other opportunities to promote economic growth at Drysdale, according to a community group.
Drysdale Clifton Springs Community Association’s Patrick Hughes said council’s draft Drysdale urban design framework failed to address plans to boost the towns’ economy.
“All they’ve got to say about the local economy is to build another supermarket.”
Mr Hughes said the report’s suggestions of a fourth supermarket disregarded a consultant’s report labelling the idea unviable.
Drysdale has Woolworths and ALDI stores, with an additional full-line supermarket planned for Clifton Springs.
The consultant’s report, an appendix to the Drysdale framework, rated the need for a fourth supermarket as low.
“The current 14,000 catchment will shortly have three supermarkets, typically well in excess of catchment capacity based on industry norms,” the report said.
Mr Hughes said existing population growth in Drysdale and Clifton Springs was “about right” but the towns should focus on boosting their economy.
“Unless there is a concerted effort to create new jobs, new people will just turn around and drive back up to work.
“We need high-skill, high-tech and high-wage jobs. The retail sector is notorious for poor pay and poor working conditions.”
Planning and economic development portfolio holder Rod Macdonald said council had investigated the viability of a second full-line supermarket, excluding ALDI, in line with Drysdale’s 2010 structure plan.
“In the end, supermarkets will only invest if they think they can be successful there. Down the future I think there’ll be a demand.”
Cr Macdonald said council had “done its bit” to develop the “liveability” of Drysdale and Clifton Springs to attract businesses.
“The days when we just designed commuter suburbs have long gone now but businesses have to determine for themselves which is the appropriate location and you’ll still have people who travel by choice.”