Complex state planning laws and allegations that Woolworths and Coles are hoarding blocks of land to keep competitors out are facing further scrutiny from the ACCC as it investigates the country's concentrated supermarket sector.
Paul Pouloudis has spent years selling fruit and vegetables at the same store his grandfather opened in 1939.
But 10 years later, the land is still vacant — and it's one of more than 100 sites owned by the supermarket giant that's being scrutinised by Australia's competition watchdog as it cracks down on anti-competitive behaviour and land banking allegations levelled against Coles and Woolworths.Both Mr Pouloudis and Mr Bugg are quick to encourage competition in the local grocery retail space, but they share similar concerns about Woolworths coming to town.
State planning laws in New South Wales meant Woolworths was able to have the council's decision reviewed by the broader Joint Regional Planning Panel later that same year, which also rejected the proposal. "The council doesn't want it there, the community doesn't want it there, and even the state government doesn't want it there," Mr Bugg said.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's interim report released in September identified 165 blocks of land that were potentially being hoarded by the major supermarkets. "Of the 110 sites that were attributed to us, 46 sites are not actually owned by Woolworths, they're actually owned by external developers," he said.
Both Woolworths and Coles have previously said the planning approvals and construction process can take upwards of five years before a new store can be opened. Graeme Samuel, who was in charge of the competition watchdog during the inquiry, said the issues raised in the ACCC's recent interim supermarket report proved not much had changed in 16 years.
"I wish Treasurer Jim Chalmers every luck in the world and great strength to his arm, but it's going to be a very difficult issue dealing with town planning," Professor Samuel said.The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission launches legal action against Woolworths and Coles, alleging the supermarket giants breached consumer law by misleading consumers through discount pricing claims on hundreds of products.
Coles Woolworths Iga Murwillumbah Tweed Tweed Shire Grocery Accc Competition Graeme Samuel Brett Bugg Paul Pouloudis Land Banking
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Woolworths, Coles sued by ACCC for ‘misleading’ price drop claimsThe ACCC is suing the supermarket giants, alleging their promotions and discounts weren’t really what they seemed.
Read more »
Woolworths, Coles sued by ACCC for ‘misleading’ price drop claimsThe ACCC is suing the supermarket giants, alleging their promotions and discounts weren’t really what they seemed.
Read more »
Woolworths, Coles sued by ACCC for ‘misleading’ price drop claimsThe ACCC is suing the supermarket giants, alleging their promotions and discounts weren’t really what they seemed.
Read more »
ACCC sues Coles, Woolworths over allegedly misleading discountsIn separate proceedings, the watchdog claims both supermarkets misled shoppers with prices for hundreds of products.
Read more »
ACCC sues Coles and Woolworths over allegations of ‘illusory’ discounts on common productsCompetition watchdog alleges supermarkets briefly increased prices on hundreds of products before placing them in discount promotions
Read more »
ACCC launches action against Coles and WoolworthsSarah Ferguson presents Australia's premier daily current affairs program, delivering agenda-setting public affairs journalism and interviews that hold the powerful to account. Plus political analysis from Laura Tingle.
Read more »