THE community’s fight to save the Carlisle IGA has received a boost after receiving support from the Town of Victoria Park.
A proposal for the supermarket to be knocked down and replaced by a Hungry Jack’s and 7-Eleven service station and convenience store received negative feedback from the community with more than 6000 people signing a petition to save the IGA.
At a council meeting on May 9, the Town of Victoria Park voted that their recommendation to the Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) would be to refuse the development.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWThe proposal will be brought to the JDAP meeting on May 18, with two councillors and three planning experts expected to make a decision.
At the council meeting, several members of the public spoke in support of the IGA and its role in the community as well as reflecting on the negative impact it would have if it were removed.
The council considered a Responsible Authority Report that highlighted a number of issues that the proposed development would have.
Among the reasons for the council’s refusal to back the development included concerns about traffic impact, noise generation, odour emissions and tree removal.
Teressa Thai, whose family owns the business, said she was pleased with the council’s decision.
“It turned out well, the only negative is that it’s not up to the council and it will be up to the JDAP to make the decision,” she said.
“I’ve had people ask every day about what’s happening with the store; we are a place for the community.
“I’m feeling a bit more positive but it could all go to shambles at the meeting.
“I’d just like to say a big thank you to people who have supported us, we are going to have a bus leaving from our store on Thursday at 1.20pm so people can attend the meeting.”
MORE: Mark McGowan announces inquiry into former State Government’s projects
MORE: Parking key to residents foiling McDonald’s behind Guildford Hotel