Residents of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale are mounting a determined campaign against retail giant Coles, urging the supermarket chain to abandon its proposed store development in favour of a community-driven eco-centre that would better serve local needs and preserve the area's unique character.
Community Rallies Against Supermarket Giant
The controversy centres on a former caravan park site at 1-13 Hesse Street, which Coles has targeted for a new supermarket development. More than 1,100 residents have signed petitions opposing the plan, arguing that another major supermarket is neither wanted nor needed in their coastal community.
Local advocacy group Preserve the Bellarine has been at the forefront of the resistance, organising community meetings and gathering signatures. Spokesperson Jan Poon highlighted the overwhelming opposition, stating that residents have made their preferences clear through multiple channels.
The proposed Coles development would be the third supermarket in the small township, joining existing IGA and Foodworks stores. Opponents argue this level of supermarket density is unsustainable and threatens the viability of local specialty shops that contribute to Queenscliff's distinctive seaside charm.
Vision for a Sustainable Alternative
Rather than accepting another corporate supermarket, community members have developed an ambitious alternative proposal: a community-owned eco-centre that would serve as both a sustainability hub and gathering place.
The envisioned eco-centre would feature a bulk foods store, community meeting spaces, and facilities focused on environmental education and sustainable living practices. This concept aligns with the community's values and the area's reputation as an environmentally conscious destination.
Local business owner Chris Dyer of Dyer's Providore expressed strong support for the eco-centre concept, noting that it would complement rather than compete with existing businesses. "We don't need another supermarket," Dyer stated emphatically, highlighting how the community's vision would enhance the local shopping experience without undermining small enterprises.
Official Responses and Next Steps
The City of Greater Geelong has acknowledged receiving the community petition and is currently reviewing the Coles development application. A council spokesperson confirmed they are considering all aspects of the proposal, including the significant community feedback.
Coles, for its part, has defended its proposal, citing the creation of approximately 80-100 local jobs and claiming the development would meet customer demand for more shopping options. However, the company has faced scepticism from residents who question these job creation claims and dispute the need for additional supermarket capacity.
The decision now rests with council planners, who must weigh Coles's development application against both planning regulations and the clearly expressed wishes of the community. With the petition formally submitted and community opposition organised, residents are prepared to continue their campaign through official channels if necessary.
This confrontation represents a broader pattern of communities across Australia pushing back against homogenised retail development in favour of locally appropriate solutions that reflect community values and preserve local character.
