The hinterland town is having an influx of industrial sites built
By Kirra Livingstone
DIVISION 1 councillor Jenny Broderick is backing Beerwah’s transformation into a new industrial hub, following a proposal by developer Devcon to repurpose land originally earmarked for a Coles development.
Devcon has already built a number of industrial units varying in size, including eight on 9–11 Creek Crescent, off Roys Road, earlier this year.
Late last month, the company submitted a development application to subdivide four lots into 29 industrial lots on 8 Roys Road.
The 16.49 hectare piece of land is the same location where Coles had proposed to build a shopping centre and fuel station before it ultimately withdrew its court appeal last year.
Cr Broderick said: “Beerwah has excellent access to national and international transport networks, which means supply lines and distribution networks are well assured and it is easy to stay connected.”
“Accordingly, the industry land located at Beerwah is now highly attractive and being developed or being made ready for future development (via the current development application).
“Each industry area tends to develop its own focus and character over time, but at this stage we would anticipate Beerwah will accommodate a wide range of industry uses in a mixed industry precinct.”
Due to industrial zoned land being sparse on the Sunshine Coast, this makes Beerwah appear more attractive to industrial developers.
“Beerwah is the second largest centre in the hinterland, and it is considered appropriate that it accommodate an area of industry land (and a range of industry uses) commensurate with its size and significance,” Cr Broderick said.
“Well located and serviced industrial land is in short supply across South East Queensland and has experienced very high levels of take up since around 2021.
“Its high level of accessibility to Steve Irwin Way and the Bruce Highway would certainly make it attractive to those industries which require and benefit from good access to the major road network.”
Cr Broderick added the whole community will benefit from industrial growth in Beerwah, not just the businesses.
“The growth of the industrial area in Beerwah will be significant in providing employment opportunities for our community, particularly in regard to trade apprenticeships and traineeships for a variety of industries,” she said.
“Council will soon release a proposed new planning scheme for the region, and this will help to inform the bigger picture of our hinterland’s future growth and potential.
“It is possible that this industry precinct will expand further in the future with the current planning scheme also identifying a future investigation area for industry purposes to the south of the land in question.”
kirra@gcnews.com.au