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Planning Minister Won't Meet Jackson Court Residents

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

The Minister for Planning, the Hon. Justin Madden, has turned down a meeting with Doncaster residents opposing the possible closure of a supermarket at Jackson Court.

The Minister is due to visit Manningham next week to attend a Brumby Government community cabinet meeting.

The meeting is part of a Government program to provide a more open government “that listens and responds to matters important to local communities,” Ms Wooldridge said.

They are supposed to be an opportunity for individuals and community groups to meet Ministers and senior Government officials to discuss issues of local importance so they can gain first-hand knowledge of these matters.  

”However the Minister has rejected my offer to arrange a meeting with residents and traders about the proposed supermarket closure and replacement with a Dan Murphys liquor outlet.

“His staff have told me that due to the Minister’s schedule on that day he will be unable to attend the meeting I requested.

“The move to close the supermarket is a major issue for many Doncaster residents.  Over 5000 people have signed a petition opposing this move.  However the Minister has chosen not to listen to their concerns firsthand.

“I’m sure residents, many of whom are elderly and frail, will be bitterly disappointed that the Minister will not meet and talk to them, especially when he will be just along Doncaster Road at Council.

“I hope he will not be as dismissive of residents concerns when he considers the Manningham City Council amendment designed to restrict the use and development of the current site to predominantly grocery,” Ms Wooldridge said.