Cr Johnston pushes for full council vote on Coles Palmwoods supermarket

An artist’s impression of the supermarket

by Cameron Outridge

The debate over a proposed large-scale Coles supermarket in Palmwoods is intensifying, with Councillor Winston Johnston urging a full council discussion due to the project’s complexity and significant public interest. 

The proposal by NeuBau Group aims to develop a 3400 square metre supermarket, nearly three times the size typically allowed under the current town plan which caps at 1200 square metres.

“I’ve asked for it to come to the next meeting, which will be August ordinary meeting, for it to be on the agenda. There is a significant amount of interest in this matter, and it needs to be a full council decision,” Div 5 Cr Johnston explained. 

The proposal’s size and scope are at the heart of the concerns, highlighting potential conflicts with town planning objectives designed to protect the character and economic viability of small-town business ecosystems like Palmwoods.

NeuBau Group’s plans for 22 Palmwoods-Montville Road include a full-line supermarket and an adjacent bottle shop. The project would provide significant retail space and is designed to integrate with the local community while offering competitive options to residents who currently travel to larger nearby towns for similar services.

However: “It’s a very complex and difficult application and, from a town planning point of view, it doesn’t have a lot going for it,” Johnston said, citing the substantial deviation from the allowed square metreage as a primary concern.  “They’re asking for 3400 square metres. And the town plan allows for a maximum 1,200 square metres.”

The proposed supermarket has garnered widespread community support, evidenced by the positive feedback during public consultations. NeuBau Group highlighted this enthusiasm, with 93 percent of submissions favouring the application during the public notification period.

Cr Johnston acknowledged the apparent public support for the proposal. “The public want a supermarket, not necessarily a Coles or Woolies or whatever. They just want a supermarket,” he said.

A previously approved but unprogressed rival supermarket plan within Palmwoods’ town centre, bordered by Main Street and Church Street, has since been held in limbo, apparently pending the outcome of this proposal.

Cr Johnston hoped the item would be on the August meeting agenda but said it may have to wait until September.