For Immediate Release

Councillor William Maslin said today, that he is disappointed with the outcome of the Development Application for the proposed supermarket and three specialty shops located opposite Carberry Park.

“I believe that the information that has been provided to me as a decision-maker is inadequate for the nature of the proposed development. Many of the claims by both parties have been made on assumptions or incorrect data and therefore the recommendations are a matter of personal pecuniary opinion rather than evidence based,” Cr Maslin said.

“References to the leakage and catchment area referred to the Gundagai Local Government Area. Possibly a misrepresentation of the ‘real' catchment area, which would be, for example, a 25 kilometre radius from the Gundagai CBD. Why will people that live closer to Tumut and Cootamundra stop shopping there to shop in the Gundagai supermarket which will be half the size?

“My concern is the potential damage that will be caused to the current retail precinct if the Tuckerbox IGA closes and other business that would get a spin off from being within a close proximity to it, decide to move down to the new development. Who fills the holes in the street? We don't end up with an improved retail shopping experience, rather one that is stagnated and a constant bother.

“A full copy of my speech to Council on the proposal and the issues that I found with the recommendation will be available at www.william.maslin.com.au,” Cr Maslin concluded.

You can read Bill's speech to the Chamber here...

End.