October 1, 2014
An anonymous group in Blackbutt has launched an online campaign to push for a Woolworths supermarket in the town.
The group has invited Woolworths to open a store in Blackbutt rather than IGA – the franchise most mentioned in recent supermarket discussions.
The group says there is “no point” in having an IGA in Blackbutt, as there’s already an IGA store in Yarraman, 13km away.
“Our nearest Woolworths is 59km away. Only a Woolworths can change our world,” the group writes.
They say they contacted Woolworths and received feedback the company’s property team had been “alerted” to the possibility of coming to Blackbutt.
“This is the first step in our mission, the seed has been planted. With all our support we can show them we want them. Please invite everyone you know in this area to join us.”
They believe a Woolworths in Blackbutt would draw in shoppers from a large catchment around the region.
The possibility of a Woolworths outlet has been raised previously.
It was mentioned at the public meeting held in Blackbutt on September 22 that endorsed the idea of a supermarket being erected on the site of the Blackbutt Community Hall.
Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said the idea of the location had produced a positive response from Metcash IGA, but the next step would be to put the project out to tender.
This was a process that would likely take at least six months, but even then a supermarket still would not be guaranteed.
“We may put this out to tender and get zero responses, or one, or a dozen,” Mayor Kratzmann said.
Speaking at the meeting, Taromeo resident Peter Scott said he was confident there would be more than one bid if it was put out to tender.
Blackbutt resident and business owner Jeff Connor told southburnett.com.au today that he believed most people in the hall just wanted a supermarket. They didn’t really care which one it was.
He said he would love to see a number of supermarket chains fighting to establish in Blackbutt.
“Woolies, Coles, Aldi, IGA … bring it on!””
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The Woolworths4Blackbutt group has suggested there are people with an “agenda” pushing to open an IGA supermarket in Blackbutt.
It has come to our attention that it may be time to ask the South Burnett Council why they think an IGA is all we need in Blackbutt.
An IGA type store would be nothing more than a sidestep in our evolution, whereas a Woolworths/Coles/Aldi would be a positive step forward. Why is the council thinking small?
Do they consider Blackbutt small?
With their track record in relations with us, it would be hard to say otherwise. Do we think small? Or do we want progressive, meaningful, real change for Blackbutt? Answers on a postcard to Wayne Kratzmann’s office!
and
“There’s been a bit of negative nonsense on our page, usually involving people that spout figures and make statements that they will not stand by, or cannot back up.
“Very soon this page will be purged of such nonsense and prepared to look like it is a page of community minded people wanting positive change in their area.
“BEWARE – If you come here in the future spouting nonsense, please back it up with references, ie FACTS.
“Otherwise you are a waste of time, and will be dealt with as such.
“Those of us that are left (the positive people that believe) will challenge those with other agendas, and those agendas will be exposed by the truth, and by common sense.
“We will win the fight because only liars defy the truth and common sense. Have a nice day, and keep spreading the word.”
Footnote: We have invited the publisher of this Facebook page – whoever they may be – to contact us, however to this point they have chosen not to.
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- Related article: Blackbutt Votes Yes To Supermarket
