Woolworths has revised its proposed site for a controversial Dan Murphy's mega-store in Darwin after attracting the ire of local Indigenous communities.
In an open letter to the board ahead of Thursday's AGM, Northern Territory health and Indigenous community groups attacked the original plan to build the liquor store near three dry communities.
"Woolworths has been fighting for five years to build this alcohol superstore despite knowing the harm it will cause," Foundation of Alcohol Research and Education chief executive Caterina Giorgi said.
"By ignoring the community's voice and the clear advice from the Independent Liquor Commission, Woolworths directors are shamelessly putting their profits ahead of the health and wellbeing of the community."
Woolworths bowed to the increasing pressure, revealing plans to move the proposed site 1.3km further away.
"We have an agreement in principle with our landlord, the Northern Territory's airport, to relocate to an alternative site," chairman Gordon Cairns told shareholders at the AGM on Thursday.
"We understand that all current objectors will not oppose the new location."
Shane Tremble, general manager of corporate service at Dan Murphy's parent company Endeavour Group, said the change would help "alleviate some of the key concerns".
Endeavour Group said it had been working closely with Minmarama and Kulaluk community elders and leaders, committing to a number of measures to mitigate risks of alcohol-related harm.
The original proposal was rejected by the independent Liquor Commission last September, but the NT government introduced legislation on Wednesday that could pave the way for the application to be finalised within 30 days if passed.
Endeavour Group confirmed it had been in talks with the NT government to possibly move the proposed site for some time following "community feedback".
The new site, between McMillans Road and Osgood Drive, remains part of the planned Darwin Airport retail precinct.
If approved, the store could be operating within 12 months.
