The Benalla community is divided over the news that popular retailer 7-Eleven is planning to open a 24-hour convenience store and petrol station in the Rose City.
Since a planning proposal was put forward, for a site at 18-20 Bridge St West, The Ensign had heard from several people who object to it.
Those objections include a lack of easily visible planning notices at the proposed site; and noise pollution caused by airconditioning units, deliveries and rubbish collections.
A 7-Eleven spokesperson said it operated in a range of locations across Australia and worked to provide service to the entire community while also being a respectful neighbour.
“The store we hope to offer the Benalla community would not only provide jobs and economic investment in Benalla, but additionally provide the community with 24/7 access to fuel, food and other essentials,” the spokesperson said.
“This is something that Benalla residents, particularly shift workers and emergency services, don’t currently have easy access to.
“We deliver fresh food into every store every day, as well as our fuel deliveries as needed.
“It is important that our delivery routing in the north/north-east is as efficient and least intrusive as possible.
“As the proposed site is on the main thoroughfare in Benalla, and has previously been a service station, and other commercial businesses, we believe it is a good choice to enable our expansion into Benalla.”
When an article on the proposal was published on the Benalla Ensign Facebook page many in the community were excited, while others seemed less keen.
Jayne Storer-Richardson was one who likes the idea.
“Finally something new in Benalla,” she said.
“Everyone should encourage this as there’s no growth in Benalla.”
Sharryn Ryan said a 7-Eleven in Benalla would be most welcome.
“You can’t get anything in Benalla come 10pm currently.”
Belinda Kubeil said it was about time Benalla “caught up with the real world”.
“Each little step makes way for more progress,” she said.
“Which in turn makes life cheaper as what is needed will get built. We will no longer have to travel for services (and) conveniences that other towns have.”
And, as might be expected, many were celebrating the news you might be able to purchase Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in Benalla soon.
However, overall, while there were 10 positive comments on the post, there were 14 comments from people who are not happy with the idea — at least in the proposed location.
Natalie O’Brien said there was absolutely no way a petrol station should be allowed near a school and accommodation for the elderly.
Becca Ross said it would make the intersection of Bridge St West and Goomalibee St extremely chaotic.
“(Even) more so than it is now (at school times),” she said.
”Are they going to install traffic lights to help with the congestion and not having cars lined up? ... Parking at school time is extremely hard as it is.“
Liz Miller is not a fan of the proposal.
“We need a 7-Eleven store in Benalla like a hole in the head,” she said.