A proposal to open an adult shop in the city's industrial area met with a wave of criticism as dozens of protesters armed with a 1,000-signature petition gathered to voice their objections yesterday.
According to a report in the Warrnambool Standard, a conservative group called the South West Community Action Group, along with spokesman Craig Haberfield, organized a rally against the proposed construction of Foreplay Adult Entertainment Store.
Haberfield told the Standard that he felt the proposed site was too close to certain recreational facilities that are frequented by children.
"It's not appropriate, the town doesn't want it and that's why we're here today," said Haberfield.
Dion Drake, who is seeking the planning permit to open the shop, told reporters that the protesters were entitled to their beliefs but they shouldn't push them on other people.
"It won't ruin Warrnambool's feel," Drake said. "It will bring it into the 21st century…If the minority of the community that are of that so-called 'sexual deviate range' come out there and get what they want...they can in fact get their desires out of the way in their own home and therefore may not end up doing something they shouldn't."
The proposal is set to be discussed on Tuesday at a city council meeting. South West Community Action Group, however, said it plans to bring its signatures to council members before next week's meeting in hopes of derailing the proposal.
