By Sonia Isaacs
THE Beerwah Co-Op says it is pursuing plans to relocate its 90-year-old community-owned service station and retail business within Beerwah after receiving formal notice from the Queensland Government that it must vacate its Simpson Street site by June 2027 to make way for the Wave Rail project.
Co-Op board chairperson, Ken Bullen, said the board was now “very positive and buoyed” by advanced negotiations to establish a new site in Beerwah, despite warning the project faced a “tight and difficult” timeframe requiring strong support from both state and local government.
The confirmation comes after months of uncertainty surrounding the future of one of Beerwah’s longest-running community institutions, with the current site earmarked for redevelopment as part of the Beerwah to Caloundra rail corridor upgrades and associated commuter infrastructure.
Mr Bullen said the Co-Op had been formally advised about four weeks ago that the lease on the government-owned land would not be renewed beyond June 30, 2027.
“We were always adamant we weren’t going to give up,” he said.
“From day one we’ve been fighting to overturn it, and from day one we’ve been working on alternatives in the background.”
He confirmed the Co-Op was developing plans for a relocated service station alongside a new hardware and garden centre at another Beerwah location with concept designs already prepared and more detailed planning work underway.
While negotiations remain incomplete, Mr Bullen said the board was increasingly confident the relocation could secure the Co-Op’s long-term future and potentially expand its operations.
“The future looks more promising,” he said.
Although the board declined to reveal the details of the project, Mr Bullen said the new facility would remain within Beerwah to continue servicing local residents, farmers and businesses.
The proposed move represents a significant logistical and financial challenge for the local business, which currently employs about 53 staff and operates fuel, retail and rural supply services from its existing site.
Mr Bullen said the board’s priority was ensuring a transition that protected jobs and maintained essential services for the town.
“Our ambition is to have a seamless transition to a new location,” he said.
“We’ve got a really good group of employees that we want to keep, and we need a continuous line of business to enable that.”
The relocation process involves designing and constructing a new purpose-built service station and retail complex while also decommissioning the existing fuel infrastructure and undertaking environmental remediation works at the current site.
Mr Bullen said the Co-Op had received preliminary indications the Queensland Government may assist with aspects of the environmental cleanup because the land is set to be redeveloped for major transport infrastructure.
“Remediation responsibilities and related matters remain part of ongoing discussions between the parties,” he said.
However, he said details of any assistance package remained unresolved and would be crucial to the viability of the project.
“Without government and council assistance, it’s going to be extremely difficult,” he said.
The Co-Op was specifically seeking support from the Sunshine Coast Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to help fast-track approvals, particularly for the fuel infrastructure and associated retail development.
“That’s probably their only possible redemption now – to assist us by speeding up the process of application and planning approvals for the service station and hardware store,” he said.
Mr Bullen described the process as “a long project even on a clean field site”.
“We’ve had initial plans drawn up, and we’re doing a second phase of plans which would still need to be lodged with council and approved and then built,” he said.
Mr Bullen said negotiations on both the land acquisition and builder contracts were advanced, with the Co-Op hoping to make a formal public announcement within weeks.
“We haven’t signed the deal on the land or the builder, but it’s looking really positive,” he added.
Sunshine Coast Division 1 councillor Jenny Broderick said the community held “mixed feelings” about the loss of the historic site, but there was optimism surrounding the possibility of the Co-Op continuing to operate in Beerwah.
“For nearly 90 years, the Co-Op has been at the heart of Beerwah, and that connection runs deep,” Cr Broderick said.
“Change isn’t always easy, and Glasshouse Country is definitely getting its fair share right now.”
She praised the efforts of both the Co-Op board and the Heart of Beerwah community group, which has campaigned strongly against elements of the proposed transport infrastructure plans.
“The Board has also been working proactively behind the scenes, assessing options to ensure the business can continue with a smooth transition, while still supporting their staff through the process,” she said.
Cr Broderick said she would continue advocating for the relocation project and for community consultation over future redevelopment of the existing site.
“We are yet to see more detail on the proposed station, carparking and surrounding space, and it’s vital that what’s delivered reflects and enhances the character, history and community spirit that Beerwah is known for,” she said.
“Our community needs to be able to have their say on what’s proposed.”
Member for Caloundra Kendall Hatcher described the Co-Op as “a true local icon” and said she believed the business would continue to do well despite the forced move.
“While The Wave rail expansion marks the end of an era, I have no doubt the Co-Op will continue to thrive,” Ms Hatcher said.
Meanwhile, Heart of Beerwah chair Peter Boyle said there was growing confidence a positive outcome could still emerge from negotiations between the Co-Op and TMR.
“It’s a good thing if the Co-Op is able to continue trading,” Mr Boyle said. “That’s a massive win for the business community, for farmers and for the town’s population.”
Mr Boyle said his group would temporarily reduce public campaigning while negotiations remained active, but maintained opposition to a large commuter car park proposed for the existing Co-Op site.
“Ultimately, we still do not want to see this car park in that position,” he said.
“But at the moment our understanding is that things have progressed to a point that the outcomes potentially will be beneficial.”
A community petition opposing the proposed commuter car park was lodged in State Parliament on May 11, with responses expected from local MPs in coming weeks.
Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has confirmed it has issued formal notice that the lease for the state-owned site will not be renewed.
It is understood TMR has acknowledged the Co-Op’s importance to the community and is continuing to work with the board on support arrangements.
Detailed Stage 1 designs are expected in mid-2026.
sonia@gcnews.com.au
