By Mitch Gaynor
THE Sunshine Coast Council’s vision for Beerwah is becoming clearer by the day and, if there’s one thing you could say, it might prove effective, but it isn’t pretty.
Last month’s rejection of an application for an accommodation and tourism venture at 1286 Steve Irwin Way underlines the council’s drive to make the town an industrial hub.
The Beerwah Pines Pty Ltd proposal would have included cabins, tent sites, a pool, green space and a café on the town’s eastern entrance.
Supporters argue it would have helped fill the void left when the sportsground campsite was controversially closed two years ago, while also supporting the regions growing agri-tourism ventures.
Instead the council scrutinised the plan, a process that took nearly two years, before rejecting it on the basis the land should be reserved for industrial purposes
In today’s story (pages 4 and 5) we dig deeper into the reasons behind the rejection and the subsequent court appeal.
Council points to its preference to free up land for industrial use as well as the fact the venture being too far from shops and retail.
The latter may well be true, but lodgings would have to be exceptionally well placed to be within walking distance of Beerwah’s town centre.
The two motels on Steve Irwin Way certainly aren’t accessible without a car.
And don’t forget the Beerwah Pines site could have been within walking distance of Coles if the council had approved that project.
Furthermore, the council once had a campground within walking distance of Simpson Street and allowed it to close, much to the dismay of nearby Simpson Street traders. Other tourism ventures have turned out to be mirages.
In 2023 the council was touting the region as Australia’s surf park capital after approving not one but two hinterland projects within 20km of each other.
Unsurprisingly the first operator, Sanad Capital, blew up about the green light for a nearby competitor, took council to court, lost, then collapsed. The second park has never eventuated and neither have the hundreds of thousands of visitors they were meant to attract.
Beerwah appears wedged between the ideals of agritourism, green living and community charm with council’s more sure-footed economic security of sheds, trades, concrete walls and machinery.
Industrial growth will bring jobs and stability, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of identity.
Out and about
One of our favourite events of the year is the Maleny Lions Meet and Greet, which brings together newcomers to the Blackall Ranges and dozens of community groups in a great atmosphere.
It shows how close this community is and that if you want to be part of something special, there’s a group for you.
We were there again taking plenty of pics, so check them out on p8 to see if you’re in them or spot someone you know.