Bermagui resident Paul Payten has campaigned against the introduction of an extra point of sale of alcohol in the town since it was initially included by Fabcot in the company’s Woolworths development proposal in 2014.

“Our community needs to be self determining in this and many other common issues, and the community preferences are indicated by those active and interested enough to make their wishes known publicly,” Mr Payten said.

“The silent majority or bias towards commercial interests are in no way the main drivers of our community and I am not alone in having this perspective.”

The meeting has been convened by the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority after the current application for the license transfer from Pam’s Store to Bermagui to create a Woolworths’ Beer, Wine and Spirits store in the town created much public debate.

In 2015 the authority refused a liquor licence application for a BWS outlet at the site.

Merrimans Local Aboriginal Land Council chair Ken Campbell, who will speak at the meeting, last year questioned the accuracy of the Community Impact Statement of the latest application.

“We certainly don’t want it,” he said on Wednesday.

“There’s locals who want it, and there’s a lot who don’t. 

“What we say is not going to stop them, they’ll get it however they can.

“What do you have to do to get rid of them? They just keep coming back,” he said.

The public meeting will begin at 6.30pm on Wednesday, March 21 at the Bermagui Community Hall.