In November 2018 Mosman Village Community wrote to all directors of Woolworths Group to raise our concerns and opposition to a major shopping development in the heart of Mosman Village.
In early December we received a response from Ralph Kemmler, Director of Property, who has responsibility for Woolworths’ property business nationally, including their “interests in Mosman”.
The response stated “it is important to note that we [Woolworths] are in the earliest stages of investigating what an opportunity in Mosman could look like. This currently includes a review of market demand in the area and discussions with neighbouring landowners.”
Mr Kemmler further said, “my team will undertake a consultation in Mosman in the new year, to understand how a potential future Woolworths investment could help meet local needs.”
The Chairman of Woolworths, Gordon Cairns, responded in late December, stating “Woolworths’ consideration of a possible presence in Mosman is in its early stages.”
Mr Cairns gave an assurance that “your concerns have been heard by both the Board and the management team.” He further expressed “a commitment to consulting with the community during this process.”
Given the tens of millions of dollars Woolworths has already spent we would expect they are much further down the planning path than their responses suggest.
And despite the pro forma assurances, we remain concerned that community consultation has so far been non-existent and will, if undertaken, be solely on Woolworths’ terms, limited in scope and unlikely to put community concerns and opposition ahead of Woolworths’ commercial interests.
Our letter to Woolworths may be viewed here. Chairman Gordon Cairns’ response may be viewed here. Property Director Ralph Kemmler’s response may be viewed here.