Bargara Shopping Centre opposes proposed new centre
A beachside battle is brewing at Bargara, where moves to build a brand new shopping centre with a third supermarket have not been welcomed by everyone.
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The owners of the Bargara Central Shopping Centre are calling on the Planning and Environment Court to reject a new shopping centre development application in the coastal community, claiming it “substantially overlaps the trade area” for their centre.
An appeal was lodged on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 by Stockwell Development Group in the hopes a shopping centre proposed for 60 Rifle Range Road be rejected by the court.
The development application proposes a 24/7 operation which includes a “full-line” supermarket, restaurant, gym and service station.
It was lodged by BluePoint Bargara Pty Ltd with the Bundaberg Regional Council as a Material Change of Use in January 2023, though the council had received plans as early as 2021.
The council has approved the development application.
As the Bargara Central Shopping Centre is already home to two supermarkets (Aldi and Woolworths) alongside a PCYC gym, service station, multiple takeaway restaurants, butcher, real estate agency, liquor store, news agency and other small businesses, the appeal claims there is no demand for a second centre in the region.
In their application BluePoint says it found a “clear, overwhelming economic, community and planning needs for the proposed development”, and that the only other full-line supermarket in the area was currently overtrading.
In their appeal, Stockwell disputes that claim and says that should the development go ahead, it would “adversely impact upon the vibrancy of existing centres including the Bargara Central Shopping Centre/Bargara central district activity centre.”
The appeal further states the proposed development would impact the ability for existing businesses to expand, and would impact the long-term viability of the existing centre.
Stockwell said the proposal would “reduce the ability for the Bargara Central Shopping Centre/Bargara central district activity centre to act as a community focal point as is intended,” and would “not contribute to a pattern of settlement that supports the achievement of a compact, efficient and functional urban form”.
Stockwell also expressed concern the proposed development would impact the “Kepnock district activity centre” and “reduce the employment outcomes and opportunities” across Bargara and Kepnock.
The appeal will be handled by the Planning and Environment Court.
Misprint: In the initial publication of this article, it was written the appeal would be handled by the Bundaberg Regional Council. This is not correct, and the appeal will be handled by the Planning and Environment Court.
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