ISSUES OF THE DAY

It’s good to see that common sense has prevailed with the good news that IGA has been granted a month-by-month lease. It came as a shock to most of us to hear that the supermarket would be closing at the end of June. Panic struck, with thoughts of how would we survive until the mighty Bi-Lo opens. Most shocking of all, however, were the circumstances that IGA found themselves in with a landlord who wasn’t prepared to extend them a short-term lease to be in a position to see how things develop when the new supermarket opens, but who was insisting that they sign for 5 years.
As we all know, the coming of Bi-Lo is going to have a huge impact on the town, not the least of which will be a test of stamina and sustainability for the many small businesses here. Whatever thoughts you have about our small supermarket, we have to acknowledge it has played a big part in our lives; is generous to individuals and our many local sports groups and community organisations.
Lawrence Hargrave Drive is still proving a headache with no information forthcoming from the RTA about its review of the policy to close the road in heavy rain. At this stage, there appears to be little prospect of the RTA changing its policy, although much lobbying by residents and local businesses is going on to try and seek a solution.
Councillors voted overwhelmingly against the proposed environmental levy, having listened to public opinion. They opted instead to set aside $1m from the Council’s existing budget for an environmental projects fund, to be managed by a community liaison committee. The money will be used to help raise more funds through matched grants from federal and state government sources. A report is to be prepared for Councillors outlining the proposal for the community liaison committee, identifying the most urgent enhancements and detailing how the community representatives will be involved in the ongoing management of the fund.
Will we get discounted petrol from our new supermarket? With the news that Coles Myer is getting into the petrol market to compete with Woollies by offering customers a discount with Shell, comes the thought that we could be scoring a Quinella with a Bi-Lo and a Shell petrol station in town. Early indications are that Coles will be offering discounts to its Coles, Bi-Lo and Liquorland customers only (no Grace Bros, Target, K-Mart etc). It is unclear at this stage whether the discount will be offered to independent Shell petrol stations, so we’ll have to wait until the scheme is fully detailed before we find out.

Linda Bunclark