NEWS DESK
CAN’T MAKE IT ON ELECTION DAY?
If you know you can’t vote on Saturday 18 May, you can vote early. It’s amazing how powerful a piece of paper can be on election day. If you are an Australian citizen aged 18 years or over, you are required by law to vote. So, if you’re unable to make it to a polling place on election day, you can vote early at an early voting centre or apply for a postal vote. If you are travelling or will be outside the electorate where you are enrolled, you can vote early. There are other reasons you can vote early – visit www.aec.gov.au/early to find out more.
Your vote will help shape Australia.
www.aec.gov.au 13 23 26
To learn more
Authorised by the Electoral Commissioner, Canberra.
Retail group’s thumbs down to Kaufland AFTER accepting what it terms a “peer review” a national retailers’ organisation has slammed the proposed Kaufland bid for Mornington as “confirming the worst fears of local small and family businesses” in Mornington Peninsula Shire. Employer industry association MGA Independent Retailers, representing grocery, liquor and hardware retailers, says a recent economic impact assessment had found that Kaufland’s potential effect on “local businesses will be permanent and ongoing”. The giant German-owned retailer is eyeing six sites in Victoria – including a 4000-metre site in Mornington near the corner of Nepean Highway and Oakbank Road. State planning minister Richard Wynne has overridden the normal council planning processes and given authority to consider the bid to an advisory committee of three people. SGS Consulting conducted the assessment into the impact of proposed Kaufland supermarkets in Oakleigh South, Mornington and Coolaroo. Kaufland has hit back, with spokesperson Didem Brennan saying it was “committed to working with local communities in an honest, transparent and fair way”. MGA boss Jos De Bruin said: “Under its business model Kaufland is a destination shop. It does not offer the convenience of a shopping strip, so consumers will still need to make multiple trips to complete their weekly shop. “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. “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.” MGA represents businesses that employ thousands of people and account for more than $15 billion in retail sales. Mr 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”. The Kaufland spokesperson said the company was “committed to working with local communities in an honest, transparent and fair way”. “We will continue to listen, improve and develop, to ensure we get the best outcome for all stakeholders. “Kaufland plans to add value to the growing grocery market, and we would be grateful to participate in the Mornington community through the creation of jobs, opportunity and ongoing investment. “Our goal is to provide an exciting combination of fresh and local produce, increased choice and great value, all under the one roof.” Stephen Taylor
We ignite inquiry cornish college
takes a holistic approach to education, providing much more than great academics alone. Our passionate teachers guide students to evaluate the world around them to become the creative problem solvers for tomorrow.
Join us to find out how. open Morning wednesday 8 May 9.30 to11.00am school tour wednesday 29 May 9.30am
Register online or call 9781 9000 PAGE 20
Mornington News
7 May 2019
www.cornishcollege.vic.edu.au