Aldi: it’s West St or nought

Proponents for Aldi supermarkets say they will not consider any locations in Busselton other than the West Street “Busselton Power Centre”, and will appeal last week’s council decision to the State Administrative Tribunal.

Responding to inquiries from the Times, Erceg Management director Allan Erceg said the West Street project was the best location for Aldi in Busselton.

“Aldi is not considering other locations in Busselton, Aldi is committed to the Busselton Power Centre,” he said.

“Aldi prefers to operate from a bulky goods precinct because that is the nature of its operation.”

Busselton City Council made the decision to not approve an Aldi supermarket at the lot 17 West Street location after a debate at last week’s ordinary meeting.

Mayor Grant Henley said it was not a decision the council took lightly, but a majority of councillors felt the development of a supermarket at West Street would be detrimental to CBD businesses.

“The decision of council not to support the proposed Aldi development at the West Street site took a great deal of deliberation and debate,” he said.

“Council erred on the side of caution in relation to this proposal because we want to avoid any fragmentation of the CBD at this stage.”

Cr Henley said the council decision did not prevent the development of Aldi at a different location or at the West Street location in the future.

“The proponent has the right to appeal the decision through the State Administrative Tribunal and council certainly respects this process,” he said.

“There is also the potential for the matter to be resolved through mediation, which would likely lead to a speedier outcome.”

Several businesses in Busselton have backed the council’s vote, saying an Aldi supermarket would be better in another location closer to the CBD.

Fig Tree Lane owner Bob Lloyd said if Aldi was to be approved at West Street it would damage small business owners in the CBD, who offered something different.

He said there was plenty of room in the CBD to accommodate the supermarket.

Fusion Jewellers owner Kerrie Lander said in the tough economic climate already faced by retail business owners an additional shopping precinct would devastate Busselton.

“Fig Tree Lane has been a desired location and it will be a direct hit if we get another challenge in these already trying economic times,” she said.

“There are a lot of people who invest in small business and you have children and a house that goes on the line as a result. We aren’t franchisees — we are small, unique, one-off businesses and we can’t afford to lose traffic and business.”

Everyday Gourmet co-owner Jill Marshall was also against the supermarket being built at West Street.

She said if Aldi was to go ahead at the location, chain stores and franchises would follow and Busselton would use its appeal.