Decision imminent on Tempe Bunnings

The community celebrated a win when they received correspondence on behalf of Minister for Metropolitan Roads, Natalie Ward, acknowledging their "strong safety concerns" and confirming that the community's preferred solution of an additional set of lights to keep traffic on the highway was still on the table.

But a community meeting hosted by council a few days later confirmed the outcome of Bunnings' application to begin construction before a traffic plan is finalised is looming and likely to be approved.

"They're completely railroading the community now, they just feel like they've waited too many years for this and that the community and council are being difficult," said Union Street resident Jack Breen.

READ MORE: Funding boost for Tempe locals in 'David v Goliath' battle with Bunnings

The community's campaign has been ongoing since 2016, when the plan to build a $44.8 million Bunnings megastore on the corner of Princes Highway and Smith Street in Tempe was approved by the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel on the condition a traffic management plan was created. Last year Bunnings applied for the condition to be removed, with a decision due back by the end of this month.

"We're opposed to that because once you build the store it'll be really difficult to add in traffic lights or other things that would change the layout of the carpark. It really restricts the options," said Mr Breen.

Local residents are not opposed to a Bunnings but are concerned cars using Union Street as a "rat run" to the store will put Tempe Public School kids at risk. Bunnings proposed installing traffic lights to make cars flow directly onto the highway but Transport for NSW opposed the idea saying the lights would be too close to the ones at IKEA.

In an address to Parliament earlier this month Member for Heffron, Ron Hoenig, slammed Bunnings and the state planning panel's "lack of cooperation" with the community and council, saying "the interest and concerns of the local community and council are put aside in favour of big business".

Andrew Marks, Director of Property and Store Development, said Bunnings was working with council on a traffic management plan.

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