Locals express concern about proposed ECEC service above a liquor store 

Residents of Sydney Northern Beaches community of Avalon Beach have expressed concern about a development application which proposes to demolish Careel Shopping Village and build a new $7.2 million long day care centre. 

Of particular concern is the proposal to locate the 60 place service above a Dan Murphy’s liquor store.

137 submissions were made in relation to the proposal, including one from Pittwater Independent MP Jacqui Scruby, who said “a new liquor store should not be in the vicinity of a childcare centre.” 

“The Northern Sydney Health District (NSLHD) submission … raises objections to this (which) I agree with.”

NSLHD’s submission noted that the Northern Beaches had a ‘significantly higher rate (65%) of alcohol- attributable hospitalisations compared to the rest of the state.’

Data released by the Northern Beaches Hospital in 2022 showed unplanned alcohol visits to its emergency department were 47 per cent higher than the rest of NSW, leaving objectors to the development concerned that increasing young children’s exposure to alcohol and alcohol marketing on a regular basis would be detrimental, and would further contribute to an already present issue. 

“The relationship between exposure to alcohol marketing and increased youth drinking is evident,” the statement noted. 

Ms Scruby also worried about the effect on local businesses, stating that there were ‘already four liquor stores in Avalon’ and the possible traffic issues that would risk pedestrian safety, especially with no safe crossing in place.

Speaking on behalf of the Avalon Preservation Association, President Craig Boaden said that co-locating a liquor outlet with a childcare centre was ‘grossly inappropriate.’

“According to the Department of Liquor and Gaming, there are already 28 licensed premises in Avalon Beach, including four bulk liquor retailers,” Mr Boaden said. “There is no need for more. This proposal sends a very bad message to the youth of the area. Research has also established that the ready availability of alcohol is a factor in domestic and family violence.”

Along with Dan Murphy’s and the childcare centre, three ground-floor retail outlets are planned.

Council said all submissions would be reviewed with copies provided to the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel, which is the determining authority. All concerns raised by the submissions will be addressed in the council’s report to the panel. 

For the original coverage of this story, as prepared by Northside Living News please see here.