MGA Independent Retailers has slammed plans for a Kaufland hypermarket on the Mornington Peninsula.
The organisation, which represents grocery, liquor and hardware retailers, has told The Mornington Peninsula News that a recent economic impact assessment had found that Kaufland’s potential effect on local businesses will be "permanent and ongoing”.
SGS Consulting conducted the assessment into the impact of proposed supermarkets in Oakleigh South, Mornington and Coolaroo.
MGA head Jos De Bruin (below) said the assessment confirms “the worst fears of local small and family businesses” in Mornington Peninsula Shire.
“Kaufland will reduce footfall in existing local shopping centres which will reduce the quality, range and competition these hard-working small retailers can provide, or even their overall viability,” he said.
“If Kaufland is allowed to open in Mornington we are giving a multi-million dollar gift to a foreign multinational, and potentially reducing choice for locals.”
De Bruin said the state government should “fight for the survival of local businesses, not turn its back on them in favour of foreign multinationals who will obliterate local economies”.
Kaufland has plans for six stores in Victoria, including the Nepean Highway site in Mornington, which is close to other supermarkets, including two Coles supermarkets, a Woolworths, ALDI, Foodworks and several other smaller boutique grocers.
Kaufland liquor sales predicted
According to a report prepared by Anthony Dimasi, Managing Director, Dimasi & Co, for Kaufland Australia, the impact of the Mornington store on existing supermarket facilities within the trade area is estimated to be 5%-6%.
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