Win for people power over Mt Evelyn supermarket
Emily Webb
12May08
Mt Evelyn anti-supermarket protesters celebrate their win against Woolworths.
MT EVELYN residents have won a "David and Goliath" battle against Woolworths with the state's peak planning tribunal blocking the supermarket giant from building a Safeway in the town.
The decision handed down by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal on Wednesday, May 7, followed more than seven years of protests by Mt Evelyn residents against the proposal to build a Safeway on the corner of Snowball Ave and Wray Cres.
Yarra Ranges Mayor and anti-supermarket campaigner Tim Heenan said the decision was an enormous victory for the people of Mt Evelyn.
"The VCAT decision highlights the fact that the views of local communities must be taken into account, especially on issues that have a major impact on their futures," Cr Heenan said.
Mt Evelyn IGA supermarket owner Tony Ingpen said it was a great decision for the community.
"My family has lived in Mt Evelyn and operated the supermarket for over 35 years and we are very happy with VCAT's decision," Mr Ingpen said.
"Obviously it is a load off our minds as a business but our involvement in the fight against the Safeway development was that is was a completely inappropriate proposal for our community.
"My brother attended every day of the VCAT hearing and he was not confident at the end of it."
Mt Evelyn resident and environmentalist Colin Gillam said the decision sent a clear message that the community was strong and vigilant about inappropriate developments in the town.
A Woolworths spokesperson said the company was "currently reviewing the decision".
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