Pomona’s sole supermarket has floated an expansion proposal with the community.
The Pomona IGA has announced the expansion proposal online, inviting public feedback on it through an online survey.
The owners of the store, the Zipf family, did not wish to comment but have announced the proposed expansion online.
It is understood the expansion would be on the southern side of the existing supermarket, towards the fire station, on land previously purchased with a view to expansion.
The expansion would increase the store floor area and accommodate more than 30 new car parking spaces but only renders of the building’s exterior have been shared with the public.
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The Pomona IGA website says the expansion aims to offer “a wider variety of grocery items, making it easier for residents to find everything they need without leaving town”.
It says the public feedback “is essential in helping us shape a development that not only meets your needs but also supports other local businesses”.
“A stronger, more diverse IGA will encourage more community members to shop locally, benefiting the entire Pomona economy,” it says.
News of the proposed expansion has been welcomed by the Pomona and District Chamber of Commerce Inc, which says it will keep retail dollars and customers in the town, for the potential benefit of other businesses.
Chamber secretary Brian O’Connor said the expansion plan was a sign of confidence in the town.
“The chamber is pleased that the Zipf family feel that the town has a future and are willing to invest in the town,” he said.
However, not all in Pomona are happy about the possibility of a larger IGA.
Pomona Community Advocacy and Action group spokesman Nick Cooke said he supported the IGA but not the proposed expansion because of the potential consequences for the town.
Mr Cooke believes the proposed expansion will put the gross floor area of the IGA above the 1000sqm limit for a supermarket in a local centre zone, according to Noosa’s planning scheme.
“Essentially, our valued town plan would have to be amended for the development to be approved,” he said.
“As such, it appears IGA’s survey will be used to lobby council to relax the protections in our town plan.
“If this occurs, it could open the floodgates to larger-scale developments and compromise the unique village character rand charm of Pomona, something locals desperately want to protect.”
Mr Cooke said a recent Pomona placemaking engagement report found residents loved the village and wanted it to stay small, with restricted development.
“Unfortunately, this proposal would have the opposite effect,” he said.
The Pomona IGA website says survey insights will be shared with Noosa Council as part the Pomona placemaking process and will be taken into consideration in final plans.
The survey on the proposed expansion plan will remain open until June 20.
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