Grocery giant pulls pin on hinterland supermarket as councillor says time is right to fast-track industrial sector
By Mitch Gaynor and Sonia Isaacs
A DECISION by Coles to abandon a court appeal to build a supermarket on a contentious site in Beerwah is an opportunity to refocus on energising industrial development in the hinterland, local councillor Jenny Broderick says.
Coles pulled the pin on a three-year court case last week, citing skyrocketing construction costs, the anticipated cost of external roadworks and the fact the appeal could continue until 2025.
“Coles made this decision with regret, as it considered the site was a good one, and that its prospects would otherwise have warranted proceeding,” lawyers for Coles said.
In reaching its final position, Coles considered:
“The costs associated with the external road works for the project, which have increased in scope and delivery cost and still remain opposed by at least Council and Village Fair (owners of Beerwah Marketplace);
“(And) the possibility … that the hearing of the appeals may be held over until 2025.”
Division 1 Councillor, Ms Broderick, said she supported another supermarket in the region, but understood the issues was polarising.
“I realise the issue of Coles and its decision to discontinue its appeal for that site comes with mixed emotions,” she said.
“I am still in support of another full line supermarket in the appropriate location.
“We are a growing community and we need the type infrastructure – including social, economic, transport – that welcomes and supports our population.”
Ms Broderick said what was telling from the original application and appeal was the “desperate” need for industrial land.
“What this opens up is the opportunity for us to establish a clear path for more industrial business opportunities,” Ms Broderick said.
“This would pave the way for long-term employment and support opportunities for in-demand apprentices and trades.”
Member for Caloundra, Jason Hunt, said the Coles decision was a blow for Beerwah, which would have benefited from further investment in the area.
“As the community is well aware I door knock very regularly from one side of the electorate to the other and It was clear that most of the Beerwah community was very keen to see this development go ahead,” he said.
“Beerwah is only ever going to get bigger and it would be great if we could provide the sort of environment that attracted investment of this type to cater for future demand.”
Glasshouse Country Chamber of Commerce said while it had been a contentious project, there were still opportunities for developers.
“The Glasshouse Country Chamber of Commerce committee is fully aware that the businesses and community have been divided on the proposed Coles Development and we believe that will remain the ‘state-of-the-nation’ now that Coles has withdrawn the application,” Chamber President, Tamara Hazelden, said.
“The decision by Coles to withdraw the application still allows the developers an opportunity to explore alternative development sites in the Glasshouse region that would align with the Sunshine Coast Council’s proposed new planning scheme, namely: protecting the environment; maintaining our small town ‘vibe’, managing growth while addressing the rapidly growing need for affordable housing; delivering traffic and transport solutions alongside any new development, and adequate parking.”
Ms Hazelden said that the chamber was focused on exploring ways to engage new and established businesses in the region.
“We firmly hope that continuing our conversations with local businesses helps the chamber understand what is believed will help our region move ahead for greater economic development,” she said.
The withdrawal of the appeal ends an almost five-year saga following the original development application lodged by Coles in October 2019.
The proposed supermarket, McDonald’s and petrol station on an 11-hectare site on the corner of Steve Irwin Way and Roys Road polarised opinions with concerns it would further split the town from its original retail centre. Supporters welcomed the prospect of more retail competition, especially to the east of the railway line.
Ultimately council rejected the application, citing issues including:
- Significant conflict with the council’s strategic vision for economic development regarding activity centres and industry and enterprise areas;
- The proposal would create a new retail centre outside the existing Beerwah major regional activity centre and would fragment and undermine the CBD;
- Due to its size, scale and intended function, the proposed McDonalds would represent an unwarranted intrusion of a business activity into an area identified specifically for industrial developments;
- The size, scale and design of the proposed development would result in significant loss of industry zoned land (more than 11ha).
Coles appealed that decision to the Planning and Environment Court in 2021. Respondents included Sunshine Coast Council, Beerwah Marketplace owner Village Fair Investments and the Department of State Development.
The appeal became bogged down by issues including the scope of roadworks required to support the increased supermarket traffic and the competing demands of tenants at the adjacent industrial site.
Ms Broderick said a positive from the matter was that it shone a light on the need for improved traffic conditions in the area.
“The outcome from this is that it creates an opportunity for real traffic management solutions on Moroney Place for our existing and future industrial businesses,” Ms Broderick said. Beerwah Village Marketplace was contacted for comment.
