MORE than 6000 people have signed a petition urging the State Government to reconsider plans to turf out the Beerwah Co-Op and replace it with a four-storey car park as part of the revamped train station.
It comes as a public meeting is set to be held this Wednesday evening.
Organisers expect a strong turnout to hear more details about the planned development, which forms part of the $5.5 billion rail line connecting Beerwah to Caloundra.
Members of the Heart of Beerwah community action group, which is driving the campaign, say they are hopeful a genuine decision-maker or TMR project lead will attend and listen to community concerns before it is “too late” to consider alternative options.
They argue there are better, lower-cost solutions that would work not only for the co-op, but for the wider community.
They say options exist that preserve local amenity while still addressing parking and transport needs.
Community sentiment appears to be overwhelmingly supportive, with organisers reporting only a handful of negative comments on social media compared with hundreds backing the push for clarity and reconsideration.
Organisers say the January 21 meeting at Church On the Rise Beerwah at 6pm is a chance for residents to hear the latest updates, ask questions and show TMR the community is united in seeking a more sensible outcome.
They are urging anyone concerned about traffic, noise, safety or visual impacts from a multi-storey car park to attend and make their voices heard.
Division 1 Councillor Jenny Broderick and Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli will be in attendance.