Dubbo’s Future:
A New Shopping Centre
Dubbo Regional Council proposes a new shopping mall to boost the local economy, create jobs, and offer a diverse retail experience. The project includes major retailers and spaces for local businesses, ensuring balanced and sustainable development
THIS IS NOT A REAL DUBBO COUNCIL WEBSITE OR PROJECT
The Dubbo Regional Council is proud to announce a shopping mall development. the construction of a modern mall, designed to boost economic growth, create job opportunities, and provide enhanced retail options for our locals. The mall will feature major retailers such as Woolworths, Kmart, Aldi, Subway, and a Barber chain, as well as designated spaces for local businesses. While we acknowledge concerns about potential impacts on existing retailers, we are committed to ensuring a balanced and sustainable approach that benefits the entire community.
Consumer & Business Impacts
How Consumers Benefit
Competitive Prices from major retailers.
convenient one stop shopping with modern facilities
Increased Job opportunities, boosting financial security.
Greater variety and accessibility in product choices
.png)
Impacts on Businesses
Local businesses may face increased competition but can benefit from higher foot traffic
chain stores bring economic stability but could shift consumer spending patterns
leasing opportunities available for small retailers inside the mall.
Consumer & Business Rights
Consumers have the right to fair pricing and quality service
local retailers should have equal opportunity to compete in the market
chain stores must adhere to fair trade abdn ethical labor standards
Economic & Legal Considerations
Economic Impact
Job creation, the mall will create employment in retail, maintenance and logistics sectors.
Market Competition, While major retailers bring economic stability, the council is dedicated to supporting local businesses through relocation assistance and promotional initiatives.
Consumer Spending Redistribution, the mall will centralize consumer spending,, benefiting the overall economy but requiring adaptations by main street retailers
Business Implications
Opportunities for small businesses, while space is limited local retailers can apply for leasing opportunities in the mall
Retail Growth, increased foot traffic is expected to boost overall retail activity within dubbo
Legal Aspects
Employment Rights All businesses within the mall will adhere to fair wage standards, workplace safety regulations, and protections against unfair dismissal.
Consumer Protections The council will work with regulatory bodies to ensure fair trading practices and ethical business operations.
Political Considerations:
Government Policies and Regulation, The project aligns with regional economic development goals and infrastructure planning.
Public Consultation, The council remains committed to engaging with residents, businesses, and stakeholders to refine the proposal.
Economic Equity, The council will explore policy measures such as business support grants to minimize potential negative impacts on small retailers.
Socio-Economic Factors
Income and Employment Growth The mall will create stable job opportunities and enhance local earning potential.
Community Identity By incorporating local businesses and community spaces, the project will maintain Dubbo’s unique character.
Accessibility Considerations Public transport connections and pedestrian-friendly designs will ensure inclusivity for all residents.
Wage Considerations The creation of new jobs will be monitored to ensure fair wages that support local living standards.
The Dubbo Regional Council is committed to sustainable development in the proposed shopping mall project. The mall will include green building methods such as energy efficient lighting, water saving systems, and waste reduction programs. To limit congestion and environmental impact, the council will introduce improved traffic flow solutions and promote public transportation accessibility. The development includes designated landscaping areas to balance urban expansion with environmental sustainability. Additionally, the mall will enforce eco friendly business operations, encourage jobs in environmental management, recycling programs, and sustainable waste reduction programs.
Evaluation
Council’s Commitment to Balanced Development
Implementing business support programs for small retailers.
Engaging with the community through consultations and policy updates.
Ensuring responsible economic growth that benefits all stakeholders.
Monitoring employment conditions to uphold fair wages and worker protections.
ADVANTAGES
Consumers
Greater retail variety, competitive pricing, and convenience.
Modern shopping facilities with improved amenities.
Local Retailers
Potential for increased foot traffic and business exposure.
Opportunity to establish a presence in a high-traffic location
Chain Stores
Expansion opportunities in a growing market.
Consistent customer flow and efficient supply chain integration
Community
Job creation across retail, hospitality, and maintenance industries.
Infrastructure improvements, including better roads and transport access.
.png)
DISADVANTAGES
Consumers
Risk of reduced diversity in shopping options.
Possible shift in consumer spending away from small businesses.
Local Retailers
Higher rental costs for mall spaces compared to standalone shops. Increased competition from large chain stores.
Chain Stores
Must adhere to ethical employment and fair wage regulations..
Community
Potential for increased traffic congestion and environmental concerns.
Risk of changes to Dubbo’s cultural and historical identity.
biblography
ACCC (2024). Australian competition and consumer commission. [online] Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Available at: https://www.accc.gov.au/.
Australian Bureau Of Statistics (2024). Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Government. [online] Abs.gov.au. Available at: https://www.abs.gov.au/.
Australian Retailers Association (2024). Home - Australian Retailers Association (ARA). [online] Australian Retailers Association. Available at: https://www.retail.org.au/.
Emilford.com.au. (2019). Retail/Shopping Centres - Property - Emil Ford Lawyers. [online] Available at: https://www.emilford.com.au/property/retailshopping-centres/ [Accessed 2 Mar. 2025].
Fair Work Commission (2024). Fair Work Commission. [online] Fair Work Commission. Available at: https://www.fwc.gov.au/.
Green Building Council Australia (2024). Home. [online] Green Building Council of Australia. Available at: https://www.gbca.au/.
IMPACT: Monash Business School. (2019). What retailers need to know about the ‘new consumer’. [online] Available at: https://impact.monash.edu/marketing/what-retailers-need-to-know-about-the-new-consumer/.
NRF (2020). NRF | Homepage. [online] Nrf.com. Available at: https://nrf.com/.
Nsw.gov.au. (2011). Dubbo Regional Council - Dubbo Regional Council. [online] Available at: https://www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au/.
Robertson, J. and Fennell, J. (2007a). The economic effects of regional shopping centres. Journal of Retail & Leisure Property, 6(2), pp.149–170. doi:https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.rlp.5100057.
Robertson, J. and Fennell, J. (2007b). The economic effects of regional shopping centres. Journal of Retail & Leisure Property, 6(2), pp.149–170. doi:https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.rlp.5100057.
RSA Main. (2024). Shopping malls, GHG emissions and the role of policymakers in ‘green’ transportation infrastructure in Ireland - RSA Main. [online] Available at: https://www.regionalstudies.org/rsa-blog/shopping-malls-ghg-emissions-and-the-role-of-policymakers-in-green-transportation-infrastructure/ [Accessed 2 Mar. 2025].
SHOPPING CENTRE COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA Regulation Review -Licence Rationale and Design Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal PO Box Q290 QVB Post Office NSW 1230 Dear Sir/Madam, Reforming Licensing in NSW -Review of licence rational and design Regulation Review -Draft Report. (2014). Available at: https://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/online_submission_-_shopping_centre_council_of_australia_-_a_nardi_-_4_jul_2014.pdf.
Stockman, K. (2023). Addressing Social and Political Issues in Retail: Insights from Consumer Survey. [online] Fuel Cycle. Available at: https://fuelcycle.com/blog/addressing-social-and-political-issues-in-retail-insights-from-consumer-survey/.
Veolia. (2025). Shopping malls: Limit the environmental footprint. [online] Available at: https://www.veolia.com/en/climate-change/CO2-emissions/shopping-malls-limit-environmental-footprint [Accessed 2 Mar. 2025].
World Green Building Council (2022). Home. [online] World Green Building Council. Available at: https://worldgbc.org/.
www.planning.nsw.gov.au. (n.d.). Home. [online] Available at: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/.