Small town is rapidly changing shape
By Kirra Livingstone
A FOURTH major grocery retailer might be on ice now that Coles has pulled out of its appeal to build on the outskirts of Beerwah, but there is plenty of activity on the drawing table.
The number and size of development applications being considered by the Sunshine Coast Council is indicative of business confidence in the hinterland town.
The $5.5 billion Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line is set to be completed within a decade, bringing with it big business and employment opportunities.
A significant increase in rail services will also change the way people live and work in the region.While the possible fast-tracking of Beerwah East will boost the local population and bring with it demand for a richer retail mix as well as new schools and services to support this population growth.
In the meantime the housing mix across Beerwah is already slowly changing.
Research by GC&M News showing developer interest in medium density properties is changing the shape of our hinterland town.
Current development applications include:
- Transport firm Armesto’s, which is aiming to build a new office facility at its main site to further support its growth.
- Retirement village giant Tricare has an application to build a 234-unit complex on 32 acres at Newell’s Road. Tricare purchased the land last year for $21 million – one of the biggest property deals of the year across the entire coast.
- On Greber Rd there are two current applications pending. One application is for a 15-unit development, and 3 Greber Rd has an application for a six-unit development.
- There are also future residential opportunities at 9 Laurel Street, with developers seeking approval for the construction of 12 dwelling units.
- Applications have been made for 15 and 12 units at 62-64 and 80 Peachester Rd, respectively.
An application for a tourist park is also being considered for Steve Irwin Way. Approved developments include the Living Gems development, which is underway and set to deliver 200 units for over 50s. While the Health Hub on Turner Street has recently opened and with a number of services and childcare is positioned to maximise demand for growing demand for services to support the region’s population.
Bank of Queensland (BOQ) Beerwah owner/manager, Martin Kavanagh, said despite challenging times for businesses and households, it was still difficult for local firms to find the right workers.
“Staffing is still a big challenge to most businesses I talk to,” he said.
“Record low unemployment has made it challenging at times for businesses to find and retain staff as they continue to grow.”
Martin added there was a flurry of activity across businesses as the financial year draws to a close.
“End of financial year always increases activity among business customers looking to upgrade vehicles and equipment,” he said.
“We’re seeing an increase in business customers buying commercial premises.
“This is something that can make sense for an established business looking for security as well as a good financial investment for the business owners.”