The Beerwah Co-op has announced plans to relocate to a major new development at the corner of Roys Road and Steve Irwin Way featuring a service station, car wash and modern trade, hardware and garden centre.
The proposal would give the 90-year-old community-owned organisation a new home in Beerwah after being told it must leave its long-time base beside Beerwah railway station by June 2027.
The site at 8 Roys Rd was where grocery giant Coles had proposed a service station and retail centre before it withdrew following a drawn out court battle with council.
In a letter from the Co-op Board to members today, June 5, the organisation said it had been working closely with Sunshine Coast Council and Division 1 Councillor Jenny Broderick to secure a long-term future in the township.
“This represents a significant milestone in our efforts to secure a long-term future for the Beerwah Co-op,” the Board wrote.
The move follows formal advice from the Department of Transport and Main Roads that the Co-op’s current lease arrangement will not be extended beyond June 2027 as planning continues for the future Wave rail line to Caloundra and associated rail upgrades.
The Co-op’s existing site beside Beerwah railway station is expected to be required for the rail project and subsequent upgrades, forcing one of the district’s oldest community-owned organisations to find a new long-term home.
In the update to members, the Co-op Board said it had remained focused on finding a solution that would keep the organisation operating in Beerwah despite having to relocate.
“Your Board has remained focused on identifying opportunities that will secure a long-term future for the Co-op within the Beerwah community,” the Board said.
“While no final decisions or approvals have been obtained, the Board believes there is now a realistic pathway for the Co-op to continue operating in Beerwah from modern facilities that would position the organisation for future growth and success.
“The Board’s objective throughout this process has been simple: to ensure that the Beerwah Co-op remains a strong, community-owned organisation capable of serving future generations of members, customers and local families.”
The relocation would mark the end of an era for the Co-op, which has operated beside Beerwah railway station for generations and is one of the district’s longest-running community-owned businesses.
The Board also thanked Devcon Property Group for its “willingness to work collaboratively with the Co-op and help create an opportunity that could secure the organisation’s future”.
It also acknowledged the support of council and Cr Broderick, describing the councillor as “a strong advocate for the Beerwah community and a valued supporter of the Co-op throughout this process”.
“For 90 years, the Beerwah Co-op has played an important role in supporting the local community,” the Board said.
“The Board is committed to ensuring that this legacy continues and that the Co-op remains a valuable community asset for many years to come.”