THE ACT government’s decision to limit supermarkets at Canberra’s local centres to 1000 square metres has been backed by large supermarket chain Supabarn.

On Friday Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development Simon Corbell announced the government would cap the size of future supermarkets in local centres to 1000 square metres to support local businesses and jobs.

The decision comes following the Government’s consideration of the Commercial Zones Policy Review in Local, Group and Town Centres and the report tabled last week by the Standing Committee on Planning, Territory and Municipal Services into Supermarket Competition Policy.

Since self-government there have been no controls in the Territory Plan on gross floor area that deal with the size of supermarkets in local centres.

Mr Corbell said the establishment of a 1000 square metre limit will “ensure the retail hierarchy is maintained and that communities will continue to have available the local shops they need.”

Supabarn development manager James Koundouris voiced his support for the decision in a statement today, saying that Mr Corbell’s proposal will “give certainty to Canberra’s  independent businesses located in these centres and create a level playing field for all supermarket operators.”

“This announcement will also be a boost for local producers and wholesalers that supply Canberra’s independent food retailers,” he said.

The operator of Supa Express Kaleen Chris Haridemos has also voiced his support of the policy.

Mr Corbell says the government will also propose changes for Group and Town centres through the introduction of a 1500m2 GFA limit for supermarkets in the major centres business zone and services zone.

“The proposed GFA limits will apply to all new proposals for supermarkets in Local, Group and Town Centres,” he said.

“A draft variation to the Territory Plan will be prepared to include the new GFA floor limits for supermarkets as well as changes to height controls and identification of pedestrian areas and active frontages.”