If what I’ve been reading of late is any indication, the new Mount Gambier Marketplace – complete with Big W, Woolworths, 35 shops and South Australia’s first Masters Home Improvement store – should be taking shape very nicely as I type this. It’s due to open in the middle of this year, and the coverage given thereto by regional newspaper The Border Watch has been most positive. And I’m sure that the response from the locals will be just as encouraging once the place does open, since with the forestry industry around that city facing an uncertain future, any boost to the local economy will (and should) be welcomed. 
In contrast, however, the publicity being given to the proposal for a Masters Home Improvement store at Glynde (on the former Robern Menz site on Glynburn Road) in Adelaide’s arch conservative eastern suburbs has been overwhelmingly negative. By giving more attention to the 180 or so NIMBYs (Not In My BackYard types) who want it stopped because they fear it will disturb their peace and infringe upon their quality of life, that particular edition of the Messenger newspaper is giving me the impression that it’s siding with them in this case. Which, in turn, would send a strong message to potential investors that certain people would rather arrogantly preserve their own lifestyles whilst robbing others of a chance to improve their own lives through gaining employment. Thus having the devastating effect of these companies reconsidering their investments in Adelaide and the state of South Australia as a whole. 
And yes, viewers, I realise that employees at the Home Timber & Hardware store down the road at St Morris will have concerns about the future of that store. But fear not, because since the Danks Group – encompassing the Home Timber & Hardware, Thrifty Link Hardware and Plants Plus brands – is also co-owned by the Masters Home Improvement joint venture partners – Woolworths Limited and American hardware giant Lowe’s – these days, no jobs should be lost in the transition to the much larger store when the time comes. 
