Supermarket giant faces massive backlash for its new store – here’s why locals are fuming

Usually, the construction of another new grocery store to make our lives a little easier is celebrated… But Woolworths was met with an opposite reaction, angering thousands of locals who weren’t shy about slamming the mega-retailer for the ‘harmful’ decision.

Woolworths recently announced plans to develop a new store that’s set to be built on remnant bushland at the Gold Coast.

This week, footage captured by a local wildlife rescuer on Tuesday showed a patch of trees piled up after they were cut down to make way for the structure. A group of native birds can be seen flocking around the fallen branches.

qE2geyDHIgqUy_6KScmUOkNQ6NiBWQX9kVGP7fl4oi7Kd1xgulH1YbzmzEKsLGeRiuRXqMUU4aK_j7wwv5vzGnf2HeOxp9Na0VhFZwdZ7ovGq6HD3Y29rJkSaTgnF1WFVT82fZHT7Bu7y7FAYzyyjf88R6SELRl2JN_1qGzB0ETzUhS0l-71dBLpyg

A glimpse of the ongoing construction. Source: Yahoo! News

Aside from the grim peek at the environmental damage caused, locals were also furious at the fact that the new store will be the fourth in Coomera and is only a five-minute drive away from another Woolworths store.

The new supermarket is just the latest development helping transform what once was a forested suburb of Coomera into a sea of establishments such as Westfield and Starbucks.


Concerns raised by a conservation group

While a portion of the site's habitat will be left undeveloped, Karina Waterman from the Coomera Conservation Group argued that Woolworths is contributing to what has been ‘death by a thousand cuts’ for local wildlife.

‘It started with a little bit of clearing here and a little bit there, those patches become bigger and bigger and closer and closer together.’ she detailed.

‘They are like islands, but these islands are shrinking. They're getting smaller and smaller until we're left with just these last little pieces in place. When those spots go, whatever's living in them doesn't have anywhere to go.’

n0T36mExHoRTpND56pqUxuwswt6BWQjR9SzaKQA1V-TYD1DHkxH1S79unPbERonVZ2AHTkce7K3gD6GpcYuiQdB3u1GyDPUFDof5Au6LJ8uxQP0UW_lX1rdM4DOsTwpNJ3J3oprz3XV1ewzNOxTUMQpEf1Xd64EEJyUdHhxaDS5DjS06RQnrLkd9hQ

Animals are running out of places to go. Source: WWF-Australia

Coomera is home to a significant population of endangered koalas but urban projects over the last two decades have taken a toll on their habitat.

Juvenile marsupials looking for a new home are now left with no choice but to navigate busy roads as well as backyards with dogs and swimming pools. Rescuers are called to the region several times a week.


Woolworths addresses the issue

A spokesperson for Woolworths clarified that it found ‘low onsite habitat value’ and no evidence of koalas after conducting surveys on its site on the corner of Reserve Road and Brygon Creek Drive.

‘The works, which are approved by Council, involved consulting and engaging specialists before commencement to reduce any impacts through extensive site surveys, monitoring, and studies.’ the spokesperson said.

Although Ms Waterman agreed that the block was unlikely to be a permanent home to koalas, she refuted that these green spaces are still important to them.


‘While koalas may not be present, it doesn't mean to say they're not using the site for movement between habitats. Koalas are the species that everyone talks about, but there could also be other species of birds and animals using that area.’ she said.

It remains unclear what other wildlife has been benefiting from Woolworths' land as the company explained that it could not release its survey report.

One wildlife rescuer shared that they had not assisted animals on the site itself but had attended to echidnas, wedge-tailed eagles, and cockatoos from the habitat across the road.

What the locals think

Woolworths pointed out that the new store will be beneficial as it will create spaces for new businesses and provide employment.

While some locals approved of the decision, many believed it was unnecessary.

‘Oh wow, just what we need… Another freaking supermarket.’ one user sneered.

‘Are we seriously too lazy to drive to one of the other four nearby Woolies?’ another criticised.

LwiMOCeQeGzDqkTIyzDCbjHGjIQYb9qpodAHOHrlJ2mv3uaHWT-uMfwy9iugi1QeuSoueoEK2uNPNL_c-ZmjdqzQeWR3f8KIp2lxKhrNEtANvgwlaU6KNOUMt0QBns6WWE1OS6blTERQHWsYaYc4GuBmg160ozh351TUase0JmfCdvMdsFtEXQrBtg

The next Woolworths store is only a five-minute drive away. Source: Yahoo! News

‘How many more supermarkets are required within 5 kilometres of each other?’ a third chimed.

A fourth shared an image of the development notification they received from Woolworths last week. They were concerned about the project’s impact on wildlife and wrote: ‘Bye-bye beautiful lorikeet and kookaburra trees.’

‘I don’t want more nature destroyed and traffic just near my home.’ another commented.


‘Very, very sad, our poor native animals. Where are they supposed to live?’ one more asked.

The development of the new store is ongoing and Woolworths will employ a fauna specialist to supervise the project.

What are your thoughts about Woolworths’ new store? Are you in favour of it? Let us know in the comments below!
 
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Usually, the construction of another new grocery store to make our lives a little easier is celebrated… But Woolworths was met with an opposite reaction, angering thousands of locals who weren’t shy about slamming the mega-retailer for the ‘harmful’ decision.

Woolworths recently announced plans to develop a new store that’s set to be built on remnant bushland at the Gold Coast.

This week, footage captured by a local wildlife rescuer on Tuesday showed a patch of trees piled up after they were cut down to make way for the structure. A group of native birds can be seen flocking around the fallen branches.

qE2geyDHIgqUy_6KScmUOkNQ6NiBWQX9kVGP7fl4oi7Kd1xgulH1YbzmzEKsLGeRiuRXqMUU4aK_j7wwv5vzGnf2HeOxp9Na0VhFZwdZ7ovGq6HD3Y29rJkSaTgnF1WFVT82fZHT7Bu7y7FAYzyyjf88R6SELRl2JN_1qGzB0ETzUhS0l-71dBLpyg

A glimpse of the ongoing construction. Source: Yahoo! News

Aside from the grim peek at the environmental damage caused, locals were also furious at the fact that the new store will be the fourth in Coomera and is only a five-minute drive away from another Woolworths store.

The new supermarket is just the latest development helping transform what once was a forested suburb of Coomera into a sea of establishments such as Westfield and Starbucks.


Concerns raised by a conservation group

While a portion of the site's habitat will be left undeveloped, Karina Waterman from the Coomera Conservation Group argued that Woolworths is contributing to what has been ‘death by a thousand cuts’ for local wildlife.

‘It started with a little bit of clearing here and a little bit there, those patches become bigger and bigger and closer and closer together.’ she detailed.

‘They are like islands, but these islands are shrinking. They're getting smaller and smaller until we're left with just these last little pieces in place. When those spots go, whatever's living in them doesn't have anywhere to go.’

n0T36mExHoRTpND56pqUxuwswt6BWQjR9SzaKQA1V-TYD1DHkxH1S79unPbERonVZ2AHTkce7K3gD6GpcYuiQdB3u1GyDPUFDof5Au6LJ8uxQP0UW_lX1rdM4DOsTwpNJ3J3oprz3XV1ewzNOxTUMQpEf1Xd64EEJyUdHhxaDS5DjS06RQnrLkd9hQ

Animals are running out of places to go. Source: WWF-Australia

Coomera is home to a significant population of endangered koalas but urban projects over the last two decades have taken a toll on their habitat.

Juvenile marsupials looking for a new home are now left with no choice but to navigate busy roads as well as backyards with dogs and swimming pools. Rescuers are called to the region several times a week.


Woolworths addresses the issue

A spokesperson for Woolworths clarified that it found ‘low onsite habitat value’ and no evidence of koalas after conducting surveys on its site on the corner of Reserve Road and Brygon Creek Drive.

‘The works, which are approved by Council, involved consulting and engaging specialists before commencement to reduce any impacts through extensive site surveys, monitoring, and studies.’ the spokesperson said.

Although Ms Waterman agreed that the block was unlikely to be a permanent home to koalas, she refuted that these green spaces are still important to them.


‘While koalas may not be present, it doesn't mean to say they're not using the site for movement between habitats. Koalas are the species that everyone talks about, but there could also be other species of birds and animals using that area.’ she said.

It remains unclear what other wildlife has been benefiting from Woolworths' land as the company explained that it could not release its survey report.

One wildlife rescuer shared that they had not assisted animals on the site itself but had attended to echidnas, wedge-tailed eagles, and cockatoos from the habitat across the road.

What the locals think

Woolworths pointed out that the new store will be beneficial as it will create spaces for new businesses and provide employment.

While some locals approved of the decision, many believed it was unnecessary.

‘Oh wow, just what we need… Another freaking supermarket.’ one user sneered.

‘Are we seriously too lazy to drive to one of the other four nearby Woolies?’ another criticised.

LwiMOCeQeGzDqkTIyzDCbjHGjIQYb9qpodAHOHrlJ2mv3uaHWT-uMfwy9iugi1QeuSoueoEK2uNPNL_c-ZmjdqzQeWR3f8KIp2lxKhrNEtANvgwlaU6KNOUMt0QBns6WWE1OS6blTERQHWsYaYc4GuBmg160ozh351TUase0JmfCdvMdsFtEXQrBtg

The next Woolworths store is only a five-minute drive away. Source: Yahoo! News

‘How many more supermarkets are required within 5 kilometres of each other?’ a third chimed.

A fourth shared an image of the development notification they received from Woolworths last week. They were concerned about the project’s impact on wildlife and wrote: ‘Bye-bye beautiful lorikeet and kookaburra trees.’

‘I don’t want more nature destroyed and traffic just near my home.’ another commented.


‘Very, very sad, our poor native animals. Where are they supposed to live?’ one more asked.

The development of the new store is ongoing and Woolworths will employ a fauna specialist to supervise the project.

What are your thoughts about Woolworths’ new store? Are you in favour of it? Let us know in the comments below!
Don't blame Woolworths, blame the Gold Coast City Council for approving it.
 
Gold Coast council at its finest with no vision other than turning the whole “Goldie” into a “Surfers”…a few council members using that platform as their own personal throne?
Who there has the courage to realise the Goldie’s true charm depends on retaining enough of its natural environment?
I was shocked to see how much of a Fast City it has been developed into
 
Well another Woollies. Waste of time, you can always shop online if you can't get to your local grocery store. We should be building interconnecting villages with bike lanes not another Super store that have the same shops as the ones down the road.
 
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When I first came to Australia in 1965 the Gold coast held a great fascination for the people of Brisbane, even though it took over an hour to get there on the old roads with a one-lane bridge over the Logan river. If you had reached the bridge when the flow of traffic was against you. You had to wait for the turnaround. There were no Highrises in those days either. In fact, it was Paradise to a Pom from a grey country with access to no beach close. Now it has become a place I won't go to because of the overbuilt-up areas & masses of rude people. I prefer to stay at home where I can do what I want not the overpriced artificial things provided to make money out from the general public.
 
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Usually, the construction of another new grocery store to make our lives a little easier is celebrated… But Woolworths was met with an opposite reaction, angering thousands of locals who weren’t shy about slamming the mega-retailer for the ‘harmful’ decision.

Woolworths recently announced plans to develop a new store that’s set to be built on remnant bushland at the Gold Coast.

This week, footage captured by a local wildlife rescuer on Tuesday showed a patch of trees piled up after they were cut down to make way for the structure. A group of native birds can be seen flocking around the fallen branches.

qE2geyDHIgqUy_6KScmUOkNQ6NiBWQX9kVGP7fl4oi7Kd1xgulH1YbzmzEKsLGeRiuRXqMUU4aK_j7wwv5vzGnf2HeOxp9Na0VhFZwdZ7ovGq6HD3Y29rJkSaTgnF1WFVT82fZHT7Bu7y7FAYzyyjf88R6SELRl2JN_1qGzB0ETzUhS0l-71dBLpyg

A glimpse of the ongoing construction. Source: Yahoo! News

Aside from the grim peek at the environmental damage caused, locals were also furious at the fact that the new store will be the fourth in Coomera and is only a five-minute drive away from another Woolworths store.

The new supermarket is just the latest development helping transform what once was a forested suburb of Coomera into a sea of establishments such as Westfield and Starbucks.


Concerns raised by a conservation group

While a portion of the site's habitat will be left undeveloped, Karina Waterman from the Coomera Conservation Group argued that Woolworths is contributing to what has been ‘death by a thousand cuts’ for local wildlife.

‘It started with a little bit of clearing here and a little bit there, those patches become bigger and bigger and closer and closer together.’ she detailed.

‘They are like islands, but these islands are shrinking. They're getting smaller and smaller until we're left with just these last little pieces in place. When those spots go, whatever's living in them doesn't have anywhere to go.’

n0T36mExHoRTpND56pqUxuwswt6BWQjR9SzaKQA1V-TYD1DHkxH1S79unPbERonVZ2AHTkce7K3gD6GpcYuiQdB3u1GyDPUFDof5Au6LJ8uxQP0UW_lX1rdM4DOsTwpNJ3J3oprz3XV1ewzNOxTUMQpEf1Xd64EEJyUdHhxaDS5DjS06RQnrLkd9hQ

Animals are running out of places to go. Source: WWF-Australia

Coomera is home to a significant population of endangered koalas but urban projects over the last two decades have taken a toll on their habitat.

Juvenile marsupials looking for a new home are now left with no choice but to navigate busy roads as well as backyards with dogs and swimming pools. Rescuers are called to the region several times a week.


Woolworths addresses the issue

A spokesperson for Woolworths clarified that it found ‘low onsite habitat value’ and no evidence of koalas after conducting surveys on its site on the corner of Reserve Road and Brygon Creek Drive.

‘The works, which are approved by Council, involved consulting and engaging specialists before commencement to reduce any impacts through extensive site surveys, monitoring, and studies.’ the spokesperson said.

Although Ms Waterman agreed that the block was unlikely to be a permanent home to koalas, she refuted that these green spaces are still important to them.


‘While koalas may not be present, it doesn't mean to say they're not using the site for movement between habitats. Koalas are the species that everyone talks about, but there could also be other species of birds and animals using that area.’ she said.

It remains unclear what other wildlife has been benefiting from Woolworths' land as the company explained that it could not release its survey report.

One wildlife rescuer shared that they had not assisted animals on the site itself but had attended to echidnas, wedge-tailed eagles, and cockatoos from the habitat across the road.

What the locals think

Woolworths pointed out that the new store will be beneficial as it will create spaces for new businesses and provide employment.

While some locals approved of the decision, many believed it was unnecessary.

‘Oh wow, just what we need… Another freaking supermarket.’ one user sneered.

‘Are we seriously too lazy to drive to one of the other four nearby Woolies?’ another criticised.

LwiMOCeQeGzDqkTIyzDCbjHGjIQYb9qpodAHOHrlJ2mv3uaHWT-uMfwy9iugi1QeuSoueoEK2uNPNL_c-ZmjdqzQeWR3f8KIp2lxKhrNEtANvgwlaU6KNOUMt0QBns6WWE1OS6blTERQHWsYaYc4GuBmg160ozh351TUase0JmfCdvMdsFtEXQrBtg

The next Woolworths store is only a five-minute drive away. Source: Yahoo! News

‘How many more supermarkets are required within 5 kilometres of each other?’ a third chimed.

A fourth shared an image of the development notification they received from Woolworths last week. They were concerned about the project’s impact on wildlife and wrote: ‘Bye-bye beautiful lorikeet and kookaburra trees.’

‘I don’t want more nature destroyed and traffic just near my home.’ another commented.


‘Very, very sad, our poor native animals. Where are they supposed to live?’ one more asked.

The development of the new store is ongoing and Woolworths will employ a fauna specialist to supervise the project.

What are your thoughts about Woolworths’ new store? Are you in favour of it? Let us know in the comments below!
Just how many more customers does Woolworths believe it will get with yet another supermarket just 5 minutes away from another? As a member of the Queensland Koala Crusaders I must speak out as a Voice for the Koala. We are fighting a constant battle to preserve natural movement corridors for our koalas and other wildlife. We cannot re-educate wild creatures and warn them - don't pass through as our Councils (and therefore the human ratepayers who elect them) don't want you here. It is horrific that greed for payouts from developers takes priority over preserving which is worth far more than money.
 
Usually, the construction of another new grocery store to make our lives a little easier is celebrated… But Woolworths was met with an opposite reaction, angering thousands of locals who weren’t shy about slamming the mega-retailer for the ‘harmful’ decision.

Woolworths recently announced plans to develop a new store that’s set to be built on remnant bushland at the Gold Coast.

This week, footage captured by a local wildlife rescuer on Tuesday showed a patch of trees piled up after they were cut down to make way for the structure. A group of native birds can be seen flocking around the fallen branches.

qE2geyDHIgqUy_6KScmUOkNQ6NiBWQX9kVGP7fl4oi7Kd1xgulH1YbzmzEKsLGeRiuRXqMUU4aK_j7wwv5vzGnf2HeOxp9Na0VhFZwdZ7ovGq6HD3Y29rJkSaTgnF1WFVT82fZHT7Bu7y7FAYzyyjf88R6SELRl2JN_1qGzB0ETzUhS0l-71dBLpyg

A glimpse of the ongoing construction. Source: Yahoo! News

Aside from the grim peek at the environmental damage caused, locals were also furious at the fact that the new store will be the fourth in Coomera and is only a five-minute drive away from another Woolworths store.

The new supermarket is just the latest development helping transform what once was a forested suburb of Coomera into a sea of establishments such as Westfield and Starbucks.


Concerns raised by a conservation group

While a portion of the site's habitat will be left undeveloped, Karina Waterman from the Coomera Conservation Group argued that Woolworths is contributing to what has been ‘death by a thousand cuts’ for local wildlife.

‘It started with a little bit of clearing here and a little bit there, those patches become bigger and bigger and closer and closer together.’ she detailed.

‘They are like islands, but these islands are shrinking. They're getting smaller and smaller until we're left with just these last little pieces in place. When those spots go, whatever's living in them doesn't have anywhere to go.’

n0T36mExHoRTpND56pqUxuwswt6BWQjR9SzaKQA1V-TYD1DHkxH1S79unPbERonVZ2AHTkce7K3gD6GpcYuiQdB3u1GyDPUFDof5Au6LJ8uxQP0UW_lX1rdM4DOsTwpNJ3J3oprz3XV1ewzNOxTUMQpEf1Xd64EEJyUdHhxaDS5DjS06RQnrLkd9hQ

Animals are running out of places to go. Source: WWF-Australia

Coomera is home to a significant population of endangered koalas but urban projects over the last two decades have taken a toll on their habitat.

Juvenile marsupials looking for a new home are now left with no choice but to navigate busy roads as well as backyards with dogs and swimming pools. Rescuers are called to the region several times a week.


Woolworths addresses the issue

A spokesperson for Woolworths clarified that it found ‘low onsite habitat value’ and no evidence of koalas after conducting surveys on its site on the corner of Reserve Road and Brygon Creek Drive.

‘The works, which are approved by Council, involved consulting and engaging specialists before commencement to reduce any impacts through extensive site surveys, monitoring, and studies.’ the spokesperson said.

Although Ms Waterman agreed that the block was unlikely to be a permanent home to koalas, she refuted that these green spaces are still important to them.


‘While koalas may not be present, it doesn't mean to say they're not using the site for movement between habitats. Koalas are the species that everyone talks about, but there could also be other species of birds and animals using that area.’ she said.

It remains unclear what other wildlife has been benefiting from Woolworths' land as the company explained that it could not release its survey report.

One wildlife rescuer shared that they had not assisted animals on the site itself but had attended to echidnas, wedge-tailed eagles, and cockatoos from the habitat across the road.

What the locals think

Woolworths pointed out that the new store will be beneficial as it will create spaces for new businesses and provide employment.

While some locals approved of the decision, many believed it was unnecessary.

‘Oh wow, just what we need… Another freaking supermarket.’ one user sneered.

‘Are we seriously too lazy to drive to one of the other four nearby Woolies?’ another criticised.

LwiMOCeQeGzDqkTIyzDCbjHGjIQYb9qpodAHOHrlJ2mv3uaHWT-uMfwy9iugi1QeuSoueoEK2uNPNL_c-ZmjdqzQeWR3f8KIp2lxKhrNEtANvgwlaU6KNOUMt0QBns6WWE1OS6blTERQHWsYaYc4GuBmg160ozh351TUase0JmfCdvMdsFtEXQrBtg

The next Woolworths store is only a five-minute drive away. Source: Yahoo! News

‘How many more supermarkets are required within 5 kilometres of each other?’ a third chimed.

A fourth shared an image of the development notification they received from Woolworths last week. They were concerned about the project’s impact on wildlife and wrote: ‘Bye-bye beautiful lorikeet and kookaburra trees.’

‘I don’t want more nature destroyed and traffic just near my home.’ another commented.


‘Very, very sad, our poor native animals. Where are they supposed to live?’ one more asked.

The development of the new store is ongoing and Woolworths will employ a fauna specialist to supervise the project.

What are your thoughts about Woolworths’ new store? Are you in favour of it? Let us know in the comments below!
This sort of thing is happening all over Australia, trees torn down for roads or housing estates and no thought about where our beautiful fauna will go.
And the government never get involved to stop it or at least make sure they are moved to a safe place.
 
Unfortunately as our population is expanding quickly they need to build high rise buildings and more supermarkets.

I'm not sure how far away is another supermarket from this one.

On the flip side Ive heard from country friends and radio talk backs how they would love a closer supermarket many live hours away from one and Unfortunately to get online shopping you need to be in a certain radius.

I not think a supermarket would waste their time and money if they didn't think the people needed it or the council approve it.
 
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Usually, the construction of another new grocery store to make our lives a little easier is celebrated… But Woolworths was met with an opposite reaction, angering thousands of locals who weren’t shy about slamming the mega-retailer for the ‘harmful’ decision.

Woolworths recently announced plans to develop a new store that’s set to be built on remnant bushland at the Gold Coast.

This week, footage captured by a local wildlife rescuer on Tuesday showed a patch of trees piled up after they were cut down to make way for the structure. A group of native birds can be seen flocking around the fallen branches.

qE2geyDHIgqUy_6KScmUOkNQ6NiBWQX9kVGP7fl4oi7Kd1xgulH1YbzmzEKsLGeRiuRXqMUU4aK_j7wwv5vzGnf2HeOxp9Na0VhFZwdZ7ovGq6HD3Y29rJkSaTgnF1WFVT82fZHT7Bu7y7FAYzyyjf88R6SELRl2JN_1qGzB0ETzUhS0l-71dBLpyg

A glimpse of the ongoing construction. Source: Yahoo! News

Aside from the grim peek at the environmental damage caused, locals were also furious at the fact that the new store will be the fourth in Coomera and is only a five-minute drive away from another Woolworths store.

The new supermarket is just the latest development helping transform what once was a forested suburb of Coomera into a sea of establishments such as Westfield and Starbucks.


Concerns raised by a conservation group

While a portion of the site's habitat will be left undeveloped, Karina Waterman from the Coomera Conservation Group argued that Woolworths is contributing to what has been ‘death by a thousand cuts’ for local wildlife.

‘It started with a little bit of clearing here and a little bit there, those patches become bigger and bigger and closer and closer together.’ she detailed.

‘They are like islands, but these islands are shrinking. They're getting smaller and smaller until we're left with just these last little pieces in place. When those spots go, whatever's living in them doesn't have anywhere to go.’

n0T36mExHoRTpND56pqUxuwswt6BWQjR9SzaKQA1V-TYD1DHkxH1S79unPbERonVZ2AHTkce7K3gD6GpcYuiQdB3u1GyDPUFDof5Au6LJ8uxQP0UW_lX1rdM4DOsTwpNJ3J3oprz3XV1ewzNOxTUMQpEf1Xd64EEJyUdHhxaDS5DjS06RQnrLkd9hQ

Animals are running out of places to go. Source: WWF-Australia

Coomera is home to a significant population of endangered koalas but urban projects over the last two decades have taken a toll on their habitat.

Juvenile marsupials looking for a new home are now left with no choice but to navigate busy roads as well as backyards with dogs and swimming pools. Rescuers are called to the region several times a week.


Woolworths addresses the issue

A spokesperson for Woolworths clarified that it found ‘low onsite habitat value’ and no evidence of koalas after conducting surveys on its site on the corner of Reserve Road and Brygon Creek Drive.

‘The works, which are approved by Council, involved consulting and engaging specialists before commencement to reduce any impacts through extensive site surveys, monitoring, and studies.’ the spokesperson said.

Although Ms Waterman agreed that the block was unlikely to be a permanent home to koalas, she refuted that these green spaces are still important to them.


‘While koalas may not be present, it doesn't mean to say they're not using the site for movement between habitats. Koalas are the species that everyone talks about, but there could also be other species of birds and animals using that area.’ she said.

It remains unclear what other wildlife has been benefiting from Woolworths' land as the company explained that it could not release its survey report.

One wildlife rescuer shared that they had not assisted animals on the site itself but had attended to echidnas, wedge-tailed eagles, and cockatoos from the habitat across the road.

What the locals think

Woolworths pointed out that the new store will be beneficial as it will create spaces for new businesses and provide employment.

While some locals approved of the decision, many believed it was unnecessary.

‘Oh wow, just what we need… Another freaking supermarket.’ one user sneered.

‘Are we seriously too lazy to drive to one of the other four nearby Woolies?’ another criticised.

LwiMOCeQeGzDqkTIyzDCbjHGjIQYb9qpodAHOHrlJ2mv3uaHWT-uMfwy9iugi1QeuSoueoEK2uNPNL_c-ZmjdqzQeWR3f8KIp2lxKhrNEtANvgwlaU6KNOUMt0QBns6WWE1OS6blTERQHWsYaYc4GuBmg160ozh351TUase0JmfCdvMdsFtEXQrBtg

The next Woolworths store is only a five-minute drive away. Source: Yahoo! News

‘How many more supermarkets are required within 5 kilometres of each other?’ a third chimed.

A fourth shared an image of the development notification they received from Woolworths last week. They were concerned about the project’s impact on wildlife and wrote: ‘Bye-bye beautiful lorikeet and kookaburra trees.’

‘I don’t want more nature destroyed and traffic just near my home.’ another commented.


‘Very, very sad, our poor native animals. Where are they supposed to live?’ one more asked.

The development of the new store is ongoing and Woolworths will employ a fauna specialist to supervise the project.

What are your thoughts about Woolworths’ new store? Are you in favour of it? Let us know in the comments below!
It's a sad day for all wildlife and Woolworths wouldn't care and it's depressing. I have seen the corporations do it all the time.
If someone could do research going back years you would see our landscape disappear.
 
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Unfortunately as our population is expanding quickly they need to build high rise buildings and more supermarkets.

I'm not sure how far away is another supermarket from this one.

On the flip side Ive heard from country friends and radio talk backs how they would love a closer supermarket many live hours away from one and Unfortunately to get online shopping you need to be in a certain radius.

I not think a supermarket would waste their time and money if they didn't think the people needed it or the council approve it.
Councils will approve anything that will bring money into their coffers. It really doesn't matter where this happens, it is the same all over the country. MONEY TALKS!
 
This project was approved by the Council but they must consult & engage a specialist before work commenced. Was this ever done?

A spokesman from W.W's was unable to confirm what other animals would benefit (?) from the W.W's land because they could not release the survey report. Was this a report from a specialist they were suppose to engage or does a report even exist?

Was any consideration given to our flora & fauna? Sure there is an urban spread in every state but what about leaving some bushland or public open spaces around areas? The biggest minus for Councils perhaps are the rates the aren't getting from tiny blocks with homes on. The not so almighty dollar wins out again.

How many Councils around Australia do not have 1 or 2 million $'s invested to cover this?

Bunnings near me built a 2nd Warehouse near me in competition with a Woolworths hardware store. W.W's were between the two, but soon went belly up. Now there are two new Bunnings Warehouses within approx 10 km of each other.
 
Usually, the construction of another new grocery store to make our lives a little easier is celebrated… But Woolworths was met with an opposite reaction, angering thousands of locals who weren’t shy about slamming the mega-retailer for the ‘harmful’ decision.

Woolworths recently announced plans to develop a new store that’s set to be built on remnant bushland at the Gold Coast.

This week, footage captured by a local wildlife rescuer on Tuesday showed a patch of trees piled up after they were cut down to make way for the structure. A group of native birds can be seen flocking around the fallen branches.

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A glimpse of the ongoing construction. Source: Yahoo! News

Aside from the grim peek at the environmental damage caused, locals were also furious at the fact that the new store will be the fourth in Coomera and is only a five-minute drive away from another Woolworths store.

The new supermarket is just the latest development helping transform what once was a forested suburb of Coomera into a sea of establishments such as Westfield and Starbucks.


Concerns raised by a conservation group

While a portion of the site's habitat will be left undeveloped, Karina Waterman from the Coomera Conservation Group argued that Woolworths is contributing to what has been ‘death by a thousand cuts’ for local wildlife.

‘It started with a little bit of clearing here and a little bit there, those patches become bigger and bigger and closer and closer together.’ she detailed.

‘They are like islands, but these islands are shrinking. They're getting smaller and smaller until we're left with just these last little pieces in place. When those spots go, whatever's living in them doesn't have anywhere to go.’

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Animals are running out of places to go. Source: WWF-Australia

Coomera is home to a significant population of endangered koalas but urban projects over the last two decades have taken a toll on their habitat.

Juvenile marsupials looking for a new home are now left with no choice but to navigate busy roads as well as backyards with dogs and swimming pools. Rescuers are called to the region several times a week.


Woolworths addresses the issue

A spokesperson for Woolworths clarified that it found ‘low onsite habitat value’ and no evidence of koalas after conducting surveys on its site on the corner of Reserve Road and Brygon Creek Drive.

‘The works, which are approved by Council, involved consulting and engaging specialists before commencement to reduce any impacts through extensive site surveys, monitoring, and studies.’ the spokesperson said.

Although Ms Waterman agreed that the block was unlikely to be a permanent home to koalas, she refuted that these green spaces are still important to them.


‘While koalas may not be present, it doesn't mean to say they're not using the site for movement between habitats. Koalas are the species that everyone talks about, but there could also be other species of birds and animals using that area.’ she said.

It remains unclear what other wildlife has been benefiting from Woolworths' land as the company explained that it could not release its survey report.

One wildlife rescuer shared that they had not assisted animals on the site itself but had attended to echidnas, wedge-tailed eagles, and cockatoos from the habitat across the road.

What the locals think

Woolworths pointed out that the new store will be beneficial as it will create spaces for new businesses and provide employment.

While some locals approved of the decision, many believed it was unnecessary.

‘Oh wow, just what we need… Another freaking supermarket.’ one user sneered.

‘Are we seriously too lazy to drive to one of the other four nearby Woolies?’ another criticised.

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The next Woolworths store is only a five-minute drive away. Source: Yahoo! News

‘How many more supermarkets are required within 5 kilometres of each other?’ a third chimed.

A fourth shared an image of the development notification they received from Woolworths last week. They were concerned about the project’s impact on wildlife and wrote: ‘Bye-bye beautiful lorikeet and kookaburra trees.’

‘I don’t want more nature destroyed and traffic just near my home.’ another commented.


‘Very, very sad, our poor native animals. Where are they supposed to live?’ one more asked.

The development of the new store is ongoing and Woolworths will employ a fauna specialist to supervise the project.

What are your thoughts about Woolworths’ new store? Are you in favour of it? Let us know in the comments below!
Utterly DISGUSTED!! Absolutely zero need to do this heinous build and add to the decimation of our already desperately struggling INNOCENT WILDLIFE!
A REPREHENSIBLE act of Corporate Greed! WOW has just lost my loyalty and trade! It is Sickening!
 
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I think that we'll be seeing more of this type of issue popping up all over the place. Personally, I've read a lot on the World Economic Forum and see that they wish to close small business and move people into "smart cities" where they will eat plant and insect food, etc. If more people read that site and educated themselves of these plans, then maybe we call all join together and create a world that WE want and not a world that THEY want for us.
 
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