Wrong location for Kmart

OPINION: Suggestions civic centre land could be used for a potential Kmart site are short-sighted, argues Ron Ashplant of Geraldton.

In relation to the report Kmart looking at CSBP site, says Mayor and suggestions the civic centre site could be developed for such a complex.

While the council could develop its premises within the marina precinct, this would be strategically short-sighted and create more problems than it would solve.

The parking and road network within the CBD precinct around the civic centre is already under pressure during busy periods.

To add a complex the size of a Kmart to the mix would only increase the pressure on the road and parking networks.

These networks are under pressure now, let alone in five or 10 years time.

Strategically, it would be better for a complex like Kmart to be at the super works site, a greenfield site that allows plenty of space for future expansion, together with future parking needs.

It also has the highway road network advantage a location within the civic precinct does not, and allows for correct planning of traffic management requirements from day one.

Rates revenue from commercial and retail development within the marina precinct should be maximised as much as possible. It is valuable land and should not be used to locate a local government administration building.

Rates are not payable on local government buildings.

The rates revenue from development of the marina/foreshore precinct should be used for the financial upkeep of the amenity and maintenance of these precincts.