By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
A NEW alcohol outlet will be opened by a major supermarket in
Dandenong Plaza, despite objectors saying it could create more
anti-social behaviour.
In support of the application to Greater Dandenong council, Cr
Peter Brown said he “couldn’t think of a better place” for the
Liquorland outlet, which will be next to a Coles supermarket and within
600 metres of four bottle shops, including those owned by Aldi and
Woolworths.
“Dandenong Plaza has an outstanding retail facility with a variety
of retail uses and Coles is proposing to add liquor as an adjunct to
their store,’’ he told last Monday’s council meeting.
“It’s difficult to think of a better way to market to customers. It will be open in a safe, respectable and well-managed area.”
Cr Matthew Kirwan opposed the Liquorland application for the shopping centre in central Dandenong.
“Knowing that area, we have two primary schools, a library and
churches [nearby],” he said. “We already know there’s anti-social
behaviour and violence problems in central Dandenong related to
alcohol.”
The council report said police had raised “ongoing issues” about
public drinking outside the TAB adjacent to the proposed outlet. As a
permit condition, the council demanded a CCTV system be installed
outside the store.
