Why is this plan a disaster for Newport?

The new concept plans remain totally unsympathetic to the village character of Newport. This site is the last off main road opportunity for Newport to enhance its village character. In spite of the introduction of underground parking, the new plans are still contrary to the Newport Masterplan. The oversized supermarket would destroy open pedestrian links and necessitate the removal of large trees so that this last community green space would be lost forever.

The latest “concept” plans are no better

Woolworths agenda is to install a supermarket big enough to dominate trade in Newport, just as they put our service station out of business in 6 weeks flat. This agenda has not changed. We have seen the Barrenjoey Rd entrance given a superficial facelift but this is now more dominant, protruding beyond existing buildings on either side. The real monster is the back section, a huge building stretching from boundary to boundary of the site, two thirds of which is still our public land, yet to be rezoned In visuals, Foamcrest Ave is made to look low key and covered in greenery and flowers. These visuals are extremely deceptive.

How would surrounding streets be affected?

People who live on or near Foamcrest Avenue would be subject to night and day truck movements, gargage collection etc. In the experience of Mona Vale, the noise and traffic, at all hours, would radiate out not just to Foamcrest but to surrounding streets as well.

Why would Woolies want to put up something like this?

Woolworths have adopted a technique in which they come to a local area, propose their standard big box without regard for local conditions and then palm off objectors with the obligatory minor compromises. They now have a terrible record in this regard – there have been fierce battles in Maleny in Qld, Mullumbimby and Mittagong to name a few. Perhaps Woolworths are beginning to develop a conscience about this bullying approach to local development. We sincerely hope so, because Woolworths is an efficient, well run company with many Australian shareholders who would never condone these ethics. See Similar Protests

What’s best for Newport?

Instead of an ugly mega supermarket, sucking all available trade out of Newport, the site should be a vibrant mixture of cafes, open spaces, residential, commercial and retail. We live in a beautifully natural place – a fabulous beach with the plateau providing a scenic background. We must not let Woolworths destroy the village of Newport forever.