Pambula supermarket DA
We are vehemently opposed to the DA proposal to establish a supermarket and liquor store and a subdivision on the corner of Merimbola and Bullara Streets, Pambula.
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The main shopping centre, with its diverse, retail businesses and visual appeal, is a treasure to be maintained. The new proposal threatens the businesses' economic viability and current community vibe. Segregated from the main centre, the supermarket has been described as "small" in the applicant's report, acting as a convenience store that will adversely impact main street businesses. The new store will not be able to compete with larger stores such as the new Merimbula Woolworths of 4020 sq metres that will be attractive for many Pambula residents. Pambula's population is too small to support the proposal, and supermarket floor space will be oversupplied.
Furthermore, the proposal will significantly affect nearby residents. With the complex to be open till 10pm, there will be significant illumination problems. Truck movements will be a hazard by reversing in the car park to reach the loading dock.
Pambula's Development Control Plan ensures that "future development does not detract from the heritage character of the town". Ironically, the DA uses the word "contemporary" to describe its design. Less said about the "heritage" colours the better!
The supermarket proposal site is 19 metres from Panboola Wetlands home to international, migratory birds. Illumination and noise will adversely affect fauna such as swans that nest just beyond the grassy edge, and extra traffic will be a threat to swamp hens. The location of the development, adjacent to the wetlands' entrance to such a natural gem, will make visitors cringe.
3,350 cubic metres of fill to be used will exacerbate adjacent flooding, especially with the erection of permanent barriers around the site. Consider also the damage if a flood event, like November's, occurs during and/or after the fill procedure.
Finally, the subdivision proposal into two lots is unsupported in the report. Another 7,000 sq metres, almost certainly more retail outlets, in a future DA.
Council must not permit this DA to proceed otherwise we've learnt nothing from the "fill mentality" and subsequent, insensitive development along Bullara Street going back to the mid-80s.
Greg and Rose Ferguson,
Pambula Beach
Flying to paradise
The News Weekly published a letter from me called "Paradise lost" some years back mentioning how my wife and I felt about Merimbula as a place to live and what could be improved to enhance the area after we'd visited it for 30 years then lived here after retirement for over four but were disappointed so returned to Melbourne suburb where the only comparable downside was the weather with the pluses including low rates.
One of our suggested improvements was affordable flights to and from Melbourne which didn't exist then so I thought you may like to know about our experience with the new airline.
Three weeks ago my wife decided to travel to Merimbula via plane to visit our son in Merimbula for Christmas. We were told about "Free Spirit Airline" (FSA) and decided to "give 'em a go" which turned out to be a positive.
The first plus is FSA leaves from Essendon which has no parking fees, getting the flight ticket with FSA was easy and free coffee, wine or beer was offered during the wait.
There is one seat on either side of the twin engined prop. plane instead of dual seats making it a comfortable trip because you can stretch your legs.
There are no toilets on board of which we were warned prior to take off. And the best thing is it only cost $90.
I add we are in no way associated with Free Spirit Airline except as future customers.
Alan Edwards
Melbourne