April 5th: Letter to Food Connect
To Whom It May Concern at Food Connect,
I live on the Coffs Coast and I was browsing your web page for ideas about sustainable food production and consumption (there is currently a push to open a major supermarket chain on the Northern Beaches and I'm concerned it will be pushed through quickly without discussing alternative options). I saw on your web page that the Coffs Coast was in the process of organising a local Food Connect. This would be really good! I'm just wondering if you have any further info on where this is up to, and perhaps a contact for someone locally who I might be able to speak with?
Thanks in advance for any advice,
Desley
April 5th: Letter from Food Connect
Hi Desley,
Here is a contact email for the Coffs Harbour group, who are soon to commence operations.
Warm regards,
J
May 14th: Letter to Council re: Rezoning of the Raj Mahal
I am a local resident of Woolgoolga. I moved to the area over four years ago, and was attracted by Woolgoolga’s unique feel- it is very different to many coastal towns in Australia. It was unfortunate to hear about the recent Coles-Buildev submission to rezone the Raj Mahal property. The shopping complex at Moonee Beach with a Coles supermarket continues to stand out as a poorly planned development and it never occurred to me that a similar plan would be proposed only ten minutes away.
A Coles shopping centre complex has major implications for local residents and business owners in Woolgoolga. The introduction of monopolistic chain stores on the outskirts of towns has negative implications for local businesses and employment opportunities, which has been well documented. The mono-cultural development that has been taking place along the East Coast of Australia currently makes Woolgoolga stand out as a unique destination for future residents, tourists and businesses and it is such qualities that offer opportunities for our future development. Such development should take place with the involvement of people local to Woolgoolga, with a commitment to this town and its future. The Council should actively seek meaningful consultation with the community before rezoning the Raj Mahal site. I have looked at the Coffs Harbour City Council website regularly and have noted the statement that you are “committed to encouraging public participation in Council's decision-making processes” and that you value the importance of engaging with the local community as this “assists Council to learn as much as possible about community needs, opinions and options prior to decisions being made”.
For an issue as important and contentious as the proposed rezoning, I believe community planning forums (as recommended by Mike Day, a leading Melbourne planner, at a recent public meeting) or community visioning workshops (which is a recognised format for community participation in development world-wide) should be considered by Council prior to making a decision on this issue. These needn’t be costly exercises, but it requires a commitment to ensuring that local people have a say in the way Woolgoolga develops into the future, so that decisions are not made for us by corporate enterprises not committed to this locality.
I would greatly appreciate any feedback relating to the Council’s position on rezoning the Raj Mahal property, and what plans are in place to ensure public participation on this issue.
Yours Sincerely,
Desley
I am a local resident of Woolgoolga. I moved to the area over four years ago, and was attracted by Woolgoolga’s unique feel- it is very different to many coastal towns in Australia. It was unfortunate to hear about the recent Coles-Buildev submission to rezone the Raj Mahal property. The shopping complex at Moonee Beach with a Coles supermarket continues to stand out as a poorly planned development and it never occurred to me that a similar plan would be proposed only ten minutes away.
A Coles shopping centre complex has major implications for local residents and business owners in Woolgoolga. The introduction of monopolistic chain stores on the outskirts of towns has negative implications for local businesses and employment opportunities, which has been well documented. The mono-cultural development that has been taking place along the East Coast of Australia currently makes Woolgoolga stand out as a unique destination for future residents, tourists and businesses and it is such qualities that offer opportunities for our future development. Such development should take place with the involvement of people local to Woolgoolga, with a commitment to this town and its future. The Council should actively seek meaningful consultation with the community before rezoning the Raj Mahal site. I have looked at the Coffs Harbour City Council website regularly and have noted the statement that you are “committed to encouraging public participation in Council's decision-making processes” and that you value the importance of engaging with the local community as this “assists Council to learn as much as possible about community needs, opinions and options prior to decisions being made”.
For an issue as important and contentious as the proposed rezoning, I believe community planning forums (as recommended by Mike Day, a leading Melbourne planner, at a recent public meeting) or community visioning workshops (which is a recognised format for community participation in development world-wide) should be considered by Council prior to making a decision on this issue. These needn’t be costly exercises, but it requires a commitment to ensuring that local people have a say in the way Woolgoolga develops into the future, so that decisions are not made for us by corporate enterprises not committed to this locality.
I would greatly appreciate any feedback relating to the Council’s position on rezoning the Raj Mahal property, and what plans are in place to ensure public participation on this issue.
Yours Sincerely,
Desley
May 15th: Reply from Council re: Rezoning of the Raj Mahal
Hello Desley
The Employment Lands Strategy (ELS) deals, amongst other matters, with the possible future commercial zones of places such as Woolgoolga.
The strategy was publicly exhibited for a 3 month period late last year/early this year.
The strategy is a document informed by 14 years of community consultation since the Council’s (1996) master plan for Woolgoolga.
Numerous studies, working parties and public consultation opportunities have been carried out over that period of time.
The ELS is being reported to Council 13 May 2010 for a decision of whether or not to adopt it to guide the new local environmental plan (which deals with zonings and land uses).
The new plan is currently being prepared and is likely to be placed on public exhibition later this year. The community with have further opportunity, at the time of public exhibition of the draft plan, to comment on the draft zonings.
The report to Council on the ELS can be viewed on http://www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/www/html/4549-business-papers--council-resolutions---2010.asp .
I hope this assists with your enquiry
Regards
C T
Manager Land Use Planning
The Employment Lands Strategy (ELS) deals, amongst other matters, with the possible future commercial zones of places such as Woolgoolga.
The strategy was publicly exhibited for a 3 month period late last year/early this year.
The strategy is a document informed by 14 years of community consultation since the Council’s (1996) master plan for Woolgoolga.
Numerous studies, working parties and public consultation opportunities have been carried out over that period of time.
The ELS is being reported to Council 13 May 2010 for a decision of whether or not to adopt it to guide the new local environmental plan (which deals with zonings and land uses).
The new plan is currently being prepared and is likely to be placed on public exhibition later this year. The community with have further opportunity, at the time of public exhibition of the draft plan, to comment on the draft zonings.
The report to Council on the ELS can be viewed on http://www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/www/html/4549-business-papers--council-resolutions---2010.asp .
I hope this assists with your enquiry
Regards
C T
Manager Land Use Planning
Coffs Harbour City Council
May 12th: Letter Sent to Councillors prior to Raj Mahal Rezoning
Dear Councillors PT/ DK/ KH/ MG/ RD/ JB
I write this letter to express my concern, as a local resident of Woolgoolga, regarding the proposed Coles-Buildev development of the Raj Mahal property near Woolgoolga. My partner and I are moved to the area over four years ago, as my partner was hired as a manager of a local business and I work at the hosptial in Coffs Harbour. Our decision to move to the area, and to live in Woolgoolga specifically, was made because we felt- and continue to feel- that it is such a unique town with a vibrant sense of community. I have met many local residents, friends, and tourists in the area, who comment on these same qualities and come back year after year because of them. The mono-cultural development that has been taking place along the East Coast of Australia makes Woolgoolga stand out as a unique destination for future residents, tourists and businesses and it is these qualities that offer us a wonderful range of opportunities for our future development.
My concern with the rezoning of the Raj Mahal property is in line with what many people, I'm sure, have already expressed to Council. The introduction of monopolistic chain stores on the outskirts of towns has negative implications for local businesses and those employed by such businesses. Furthermore, the shopping complex at Moonee Beach with a Coles supermarket continues to stand out as a poorly planned development (i.e. few spaces filled with businesses inside the vast complex) and it seems unnecessary to repeat the same development ten minutes away.
I feel strongly that the involvement of people local to Woopi, with commitment to this town and its future, should be an integral part of the rezoning decision of Raj Mahal. Active and meaningful consultation with the community is essential with an issue as important and contentious as this. I have looked at the Coffs Harbour City Council website regularly and have noted the statement that Council is “committed to encouraging public participation in Council's decision-making processes” and that Council values engaging with the local community as it "assists Council to learn as much as possible about community needs, opinions and options prior to decisions being made”. There are many people who care greatly about the development of this town, but are not in a position to actively participate in, or oppose, large scale developments like this- as they are often intimidating and complex issues. I believe community forums, or community visioning workshops (which is a recognised format for community participation in development world-wide) should be considered by Council before rezoning. These needn’t be costly exercises, but it requires a commitment to ensuring that local people have a say in the way Woolgoolga develops into the future, so that decisions are not made for us by corporate enterprises not committed to this locality.
I appreciate your consideration of these concerns.
Yours Sincerely,
D McLeod
Woolgoolga
May 13th: The Only Reply to my letters to Councillors
Thankyou for your e mail
DeniseMay 18th: Letter Posted to the Coffs Harbour News Paper
The Council and Woolgoolga Residence Association both suggest that public participation has been sought on the ELP and the recent vote in Council to approve rezoning of the pacific highway outside of Woolgoolga. In terms of the Residence Association I’m curious to know what the survey disseminated looked like; what questions were asked in the survey; how the survey was circulated and the methods used to ensure a cross-section of the community? This would shed light on the assumption that the community has been spoken for in such studies. The Council suggests that by putting the draft ELP in the library they have met their consultation requirements. The Council’s approach eliminates people who didn’t read the Council Webpage advertising the display at the local library, as well as many people who are disadvantaged through transport, access to communication, or who have other responsibilities such as full-time work or carer and parental responsibility. I went out of my way to read the draft ELP and couldn’t make head nor tail of the council’s use of bureaucratic language, and it took some time (time that many people don’t have) just to locate the small section on the issue. I have been desperately trying to participate in this issue through reading the ELP, reading Council minutes, writing letters and calling Council to try to get more information- even with all this effort I still feel I have no voice, and that I have only been given the absoloute minimum of information. This, however, is what is referred to by people in powerful positions as community consultation and participation. This is not an accident either- there are many well-researched methods of meaninful participation that have been recommended to Council, but have not been taken up or even considered.
-Desley
May 24th: Letter to Council after Rezoning re: Further Process
To Whom It May Concern at Coffs Harbour City Council,
The Woolgoolga Advertiser yesterday stated that the Buildev development application for the newly zoned property on the Pacific Highway outside of Woolgoolga will be lodged within four to six weeks, and that a Coles Supermarket could be built within nine months if approved by Council. Will the public have any opportunity to view the development application and to make comments or submissions regarding this prior to development proceeding? I believe it would be in the best interests of the people of Woolgoolga to have this opportunity. As you may know previous development applications (i.e. a new pub on Beach street) have contained important information that the Woolgoolga community was not made aware of at the time of application/approval (in that case it was the number of patrons allowed). Clarification of how Council will proceed would be greatly appreciated.
Yours Sincerely,
Desley
The Woolgoolga Advertiser yesterday stated that the Buildev development application for the newly zoned property on the Pacific Highway outside of Woolgoolga will be lodged within four to six weeks, and that a Coles Supermarket could be built within nine months if approved by Council. Will the public have any opportunity to view the development application and to make comments or submissions regarding this prior to development proceeding? I believe it would be in the best interests of the people of Woolgoolga to have this opportunity. As you may know previous development applications (i.e. a new pub on Beach street) have contained important information that the Woolgoolga community was not made aware of at the time of application/approval (in that case it was the number of patrons allowed). Clarification of how Council will proceed would be greatly appreciated.
Yours Sincerely,
Desley
May 25th: Reply from Council re: Further Processes
Morning Desley
Reference is made to your email of 25 May 2010 and it is advised that Council have not received a development application for a supermarket by one of the major chains at this time.
It is advised if and when an application is received by Council it will be advertised in the local press to allow for community input to the assessment process.
Thank you for your interest.
Regards
MS
Director
Land Use, Health & Development
per Cath
Regards,
C S| Executive Assistant
Coffs Harbour City Council | Locked Bag 155 | Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
May 24: Letter to the Obi Obi Campaingers
MS
Director
Land Use, Health & Development
per Cath
Regards,
C S| Executive Assistant
Coffs Harbour City Council | Locked Bag 155 | Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
May 24: Letter to the Obi Obi Campaingers
Hello, I've been looking at the Obi Obi campaign which I found on-line after originally reading about it in a university paper. I have been so impressed with the collective effort that the town of Maleny has taken regarding the introduction of Woolworths to your town, which sounds incredibly destructive. Although the situation in Woolgoolga (NSW) is somewhat different, I am hoping to get a few ideas about how you got your campaign up and moving as we are facing a similar issue. The Council has recently rezoned land on the Pacific Hwy for commercial use, and Coles is aiming to put in their submission within four weeks of the rezoning being approved! We have no chain stores in Woolgoolga and I, as well as many in Woolgoolga, are very concerned about the effects this will have on the CBD of Woopi. Unfortunately there are many people and community groups locally who support this development. In the meantime I am trying to develop connections with others who share a similar concern to me and to get our voice out there too. I am interested in the campaign DVD that is discussed on your web-page, and any other info you may be able to share, if this is still available. I would be happy to pay a fee for the DVD etc.
Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this.
Yours Sincerely,
Desley
May 30th: Reply from the Obi Obi Campaign
My apologies for the delay in replying.
Usually, it is Council zoning that can make, or break, the introduction of these large box stores. Hence, one method is to pressure Council in relation to the zoning.
One avenue is by limiting the maximum allowed "floor space" of any buildings. This can be kept under the minimum size that Coles/Woolworths would consider feasible for their business.
Another is to call for an investigation to the process (and any dodgy dealings) which allowed for the re-zoning to proceed.
Sadly,Margaret River in Western Australia
Other ongoing action which is important is the continual education of the community of the value of trading with locally "owned" businesses. This is a long-term, and on-going, strategy. It can be assisted by the creation of a Food Co-operative.
Good Luck for the future. I will check if Graham or Steve can send a DVD.
All the best.
G C
May 28th: Letter to Woolgoogla Newspaper.
Usually, it is Council zoning that can make, or break, the introduction of these large box stores. Hence, one method is to pressure Council in relation to the zoning.
One avenue is by limiting the maximum allowed "floor space" of any buildings. This can be kept under the minimum size that Coles/Woolworths would consider feasible for their business.
Another is to call for an investigation to the process (and any dodgy dealings) which allowed for the re-zoning to proceed.
Sadly,
Other ongoing action which is important is the continual education of the community of the value of trading with locally "owned" businesses. This is a long-term, and on-going, strategy. It can be assisted by the creation of a Food Co-operative.
Good Luck for the future. I will check if Graham or Steve can send a DVD.
All the best.
G C
May 28th: Letter to Woolgoogla Newspaper.
Coles and Woolworths control 80% of the Australian grocery market, which is unprecedented in the world (heraldsun.com.au). For every 10 jobs created by Coles or Woolworths, 17 are lost in the existing local business community (Council of Small Business Organisations Australia). Many brands, including local ones, are slowly being replaced by Coles brands (along with Coles branding comes Coles ownership of food production, packaging and distribution─ pushing suppliers and employees out of the food industry). Coles has centralised distribution centres and all of its produce must be shipped from here to its grocery stores, even if it was grown where you live. Coles has the buying power to undercut prices at butchers, bakeries, nurseries, hardware stores, and local supermarkets. It’s only a matter of time before they open up a Liquorland (look to Moonee) and undercut the local bottle-o’s too. Cheap food comes at a price. Once competition is limited, Coles can set whatever price it wants. To say that the local beachside village image will be maintained due to this development is untrue, as the town will be split and it will be difficult for some businesses to remain viable. On top of this, I would challenge anyone to point out an aesthetically pleasing Coles supermarket anywhere in Australia− a concrete slab at the entrance of Woopi is hardly a way to show-off our unique beauty. There has been so much discussion of the ‘leakage’ of funds into Coffs Harbour
