The Latrobe Council’s unfair restrictions on existing Shearwater retailers deserves a Parliamentary inquiry
Shearwater now ‘frozen’ in time
The Latrobe Council’s unfair restrictions on existing Shearwater retailers deserves a state Parliamentary inquiry, says the Save our Seaside Village(SOSV) group.
Is it right to allow new retailers rights to develop while imposing a prohibition to develop on existing retailers 700 metres away, said Mr Guy Barnett Spokesperson for the SOSV.
“The Shearwater shopping centre has now been frozen in time by the Latrobe Council.
“The Council on the one hand prohibits any development of 250 m2 or more in the existing Shearwater town centre while supporting the establishment of much larger retailers 700 metres away. This is a David and Goliath battle and David is being denied even a few stones to fight back. The Council’s actions are anticompetitive, unfair and un-Australian. Why wont the Council remove this prohibition and restore a level playing field?
Why did the Council approve the development of the new town centre including a major supermarket and related shops just six weeks after imposing the anti-competitive prohibitions on 24 April 2008.
Why does the Council support establishing a new town centre in Shearwater and what regional Tasmanian town has two town centres? Why does the council reject independent advice to support development in the existing town centre?
Is this one of the most unfair town planning outcomes in Tasmanian history?
These questions need answers. A recent public meeting in Shearwater called for a State Parliamentary inquiry. The Greens support the inquiry and the other parties are considering their position, said Mr Barnett.
Guy Barnett
