The Helensburgh community is preparing to make their opposition to a proposed liquor store heard, ahead of a community forum planned for April 4.
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The Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) will hold a public meeting following the strong community interest in a proposal for a Liquorland store on Walker Street.
With 264 objections to the store out of the 293 public submissions, the community is clearly opposed to the store, said neighbourhood forum convenor, Warwick Erwin.
"We'd like to see the application refused," he said.
Not only are there already three bottleshops within 190 metres along the Helensburgh main strip, Mr Erwin said the current, independent outlets provide much-needed support for local sports teams.
"Look at the jerseys of all the local sports clubs around Helensburgh and Stanwell Park, even the Surf Life Saving jersey, you'll see Helensburgh Hotel, Helensburgh Premium Liquor and Helensburgh Cellars."
A Coles spokesperson said the company had supported the community for nearly 20 years.
"Through our partnership with food rescue organisation SecondBite we work with local group Hope Church 2508 to provide food to those in need," the spokesperson said.
"A new Liquorland store will support the local economy in Helensburgh with local retail and construction jobs as well as supporting local liquor producers through our commitment to offering a tailored selection of local products."
With these stores currently operating, plus a bottle shop in Stanwell Park, Mr Erwin said the community is already saturated with liquor stores.
"There's more than enough, and it's way oversaturated," he said.
Chair of the ILGA Philip Crawford said community concerns would be heard at the in-person meeting.
"We will be discussing the social impacts of the addition of a retail liquor outlet, its proposed trading hours, transport availability, pedestrian traffic, littering, noise pollution and the potential for increased exposure to anti-social behaviour and crime," he said.
"These are all factors that bear on the Authority's decisions and in this case, consultation is necessary to delve into the issues in greater detail and to ensure the community is heard."
Mr Erwin said the community will be clear about what outcome they would like to see.
"The community will be very disappointed if the application is approved."
The ILGA meeting will be held in the Pioneer Room at Helensburgh Tradies from 6pm to 8pm on Monday, April 4.
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