Dan Murphy's bottle shop opposition ramps up with petition attracting 1000 plus signatures

The petition titled "Say no to Dan Murphy's (in) Junction Square" and created by Wodonga business owner Bobbi McKibbin had 1042 signatures late Monday.

It follows criticism of the plans by former Wodonga Council investment attraction director Michael Gobel and ex councillor John Mahony who both feared the development would undermine more than a decade's work in opening up the former railway corridor in the city.

Ms McKibbin wanted to escalate her strong opposition to the proposed bottle shop for the corner of Elgin Boulevard and Smythe Street.

"The motivation stemmed from The Border Mail report two weeks ago," she said.

"You could just tell there was this great level of disappointment in regards to this being allowed to get this far.

"It is incredibly evident the community doesn't want a Dan Murphy's or any other form of bottle shop in that precinct."

She fears Wodonga will squander a "once in a lifetime opportunity" to recreate its city centre.

"We need to very mindful about what we're doing there and what precedents we're setting as we're recreating it," she said.

"There are plenty of opportunities in that precinct to get an alcoholic beverage.

"The community feels we've been incredibly let down, but also shut out of consultation around what we want in that area.

"What they've created there already is 100 per cent success so let's not bring that tone down and instead elevate and build on what is there already."

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The most recent issue to unite a large section of the Wodonga community was the ultimately unsuccessful move to retain the city's saleyards at Bandiana.

They were eventually privatised and new yards built at North Barnawartha.

Hannah Seymour, who was part of the former High Street reference group, is also upset with the Junction Square bottle shop proposal.

"It goes against everything Wodonga has been crying out for," she said.

"Planning is meant to take into consideration our needs and there is nothing in this for young people.

"It is not promoting the health of our community at all.

"It goes against all the feedback we've been giving council to create a vibrant centre."

The latest location for the cinema will be the temporary car park land on Jack Hore Way, but fresh plans haven't been lodged.

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