11 March 2010
Mr MORRIS (Mornington) — The Minister for Planning, Justin Madden, is at it again — saying one thing and doing the opposite. With great fanfare the minister last year finally conceded that his failed Melbourne 2030 strategy was inappropriate for Mornington and endorsed the Mornington commercial centre plan.
The community rightly felt that their five‑year battle to protect the character of the town had been largely won, and yet on 22 February a ministerial press release finally revealed a secret plan to bypass the council and approve a large‑format Woolworths hardware store at Mornington.
The retail area of Mornington has been developed in a planned incremental manner over many years. The process has ensured that retail outlets are appropriately located. Now the minister wants to turn that on its head. Another big hardware store may well fit the mix, but its location should be in accord with retail planning to ensure minimal disruption to the town and viability of the business.
An advisory committee has been appointed, and the minister has made it clear that locals will have no say, apart from the typical sham process which, thanks to the minister’s media plan, we now know is his standard operating procedure.
Legislative Assembly 11 March 2010
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