A local independent retailer has expressed anger over the State Government’s decision to exclusively partner with Woolworths to provide Young’s only container deposit return and earn machine.
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Last week Woolworths unveiled the new machine as part of The NSW government’s container deposit scheme (CDS).
The scheme has been widely criticised for the extra money beer and soft drink will now cost consumers and Young’s Donges Supa IGA manager Wendy Silk is furious at the “leg up” Woolworths has been given over her business.
"I am very angry about this decision,” she said.
"My customers will now be forced to use the machine at Woolworths.
“Woolworths has been given a leg up that my business has not.”
Mrs Silk said the location of the machine puts her business at a disadvantage.
"As far as I am concerned this venture between the State Government and a multinational corporation is forcing my customers to use the vending machine at Woolworths which through pure convenience may drive them to shop at Woollies, this may cost me customers,” she said.
"I thought the government was supposed to look after local independent small businesses.”
Cootamundra MP Steph Cooke said she “absolutely” supports Mrs Silk’s request for a collection point at the IGA.
“I support IGA’s application, I support small business, I am a small business person myself, and I will continue to fight hard for them to get a collection point in the IGA car park,” she said.
“I have escalated Wendy’s request to the Premier and the Deputy Premier and there is no higher office in the State to hear her application.
“I am taking the grievances of Donges Supa IGA very seriously.”
Young Woolworths did confirm with the Witness whilst they encourage people to use the vouchers to take money off their grocery bill, the voucher can be redeemed for cash at their service desk.