Petition for another pharmacy in the Whitsundays

Young local pharmacist Kate Deambrogio says it has been many years since residents of Proserpine, and surrounding districts have been able to choose between pharmacies for their pharmaceutical services.

"Since the early 90s, there has only been one pharmacy in Proserpine, despite the growth in the district," she said.

In October 2011 the Federal Government introduced New Pharmacy Location Rules with specific guidelines for establishing new pharmacies in one pharmacy towns of sufficient size to sustain both businesses.

The young chemist said at the time the new rules came into force, Proserpine qualified for a new pharmacy.

Ms Deambrogio and her business partner Terry Travers said they had an application to establish a new pharmacy in Proserpine lodged with the Australian Community Pharmacy Authority (ACPA) to be heard at their December meeting.

"We aim to establish a pharmacy in a location convenient to both doctor’s surgeries and with ample car parking. Our proposed pharmacy will stock full pharmacy items – basically, what you would expect a pharmacy to have. We are not going to be a big discounting drug store – we don’t believe that is what the town needs, the town though does need competition and choice which can be achieved through the pharmacy which we propose to establish."

"However a Federal Court appeal lodged prior to the December meeting resulted in a restraint being placed on the ACPA in considering applications for Proserpine. This appeal was submitted by the current pharmacy owner in Proserpine.

"The rules do allow for an appeal and he is within his rights to do this." Miss Deambrogio said.

"It is understood that he is also intending to establish a branch of his existing pharmacy further towards the eastern end of the Main Street of Proserpine towards the Bruce Highway."

Robert McKay who owns Proserpine Family Pharmacy said he did not lodge a federal court injunction against Ms Deambrogio, rather it was to ensure the ACPA processed the orders in which they were received.

"It’s a process that has to take place. My injunction was to ensure the Australian government dealt with things as set out in their own rules. Kate somehow thinks a petition is going to get around the rules," he said, adding he wasn’t considering opening another pharmacy in Proserpine."

However Ms Deambrogio said she was aware of Mr McKay’s application to acquire a second licence. "And the rules do allow this, despite him owning the existing pharmacy in the town. It’s just we, also however, believe we should be entitled the opportunity to have our application heard by the ACPA, and so we are bringing this to the attention of the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing".

Ms Deambrogio said they were half way towards their goal in obtaining enough signatures for the document to be presented to the health minister and they would be at Fausts IGA this morning if people wanted to sign on.

"This is the community's chance to support this campaign as it will create competition," she said.