New store’s green light slammed

Rockingham Kwinana Local Drug Action group chairwoman Lorraine Dunkling has slammed the “ridiculous” decision for a new Dan Murphy’s store in Kwinana.

The Rockingham city councillor believes the decision was “shortsighted” and not made in the public interest.

Mrs Dunkling said Kwinana was an at-risk area for alcohol-related harm due to the existing density of liquor outlets.

“It’s a low socio-economic area which means people should be using money for food, housing and their kids but instead it goes on grog,” she said.

Kwinana Senior Sergeant Glen Willers said Dan Murphy’s wouldn’t have a negative impact, provided it was managed properly.

Mooridtj Koort Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre manager Jonathan Ford said Kwinana’s indigenous population had mixed views.

“I think there needs to be a greater focus on why the Aboriginal community is consuming so much alcohol," he said.

“I think community will consume alcohol whether it is cheap or expensive.” Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce president Danny Stent said there was “always constant evolution and changes in every industry”. “It’s free and open competition and it exists and in every walk of life and in every type of business,” he said.