The people behind a proposed supermarket remain optimistic their plans will be realised, after the development application process stalled with Sunshine Coast Council.
The planned Eumundi Village Supermarket precinct consists of a grocery store, specialty stores and car parks, on a 9915sqm site at 10 Memorial Drive. The site also includes an approved service station development over 4293sqm.
The application for the supermarket was submitted in February last year, and there has been an almost 20-month wait for a decision by the council.
An appeal was lodged with the Planning and Environment Court in August “against council’s deemed refusal for a development permit”.
Altum Property Group Development director Alex Rigby said the grocery store was much needed in the area.
He said via a press release that it would provide a “dramatic cut in travel time” for locals.
“Currently, the closest shopping centre is in Cooroy, which is 11.6km from the Eumundi township,” he said.
“This newfound convenience would undoubtedly enhance the overall quality of life for all of Eumundi’s residents.
“Moreover, the proposal includes 92 much-needed parking spaces, easing family shopping trips and reducing the associated hassles.
“What’s more, this project has the potential to generate employment opportunities, breathing life into the local economy and enabling the community to prosper.”
Mr Rigby said the town’s future should be shaped by the community’s needs.
“Eumundi has evolved beyond being merely a market town,” he said.
“It now houses a growing and diverse resident population, and it’s only fitting that its infrastructure evolves to meet those needs.”
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Mr Rigby said there was “resounding support” from the community.
“An astonishing 95 per cent of the 164 submissions during the formal advertising period were in favour of the supermarket,” he said.
The site is on the southern outskirts of the town, in a zone marked ‘rural’, but Altum said there were no suitable sites within the town centre to include a supermarket.
Long-time Eumundi resident Donata Page said many people in the area wanted a grocery store.
“I’ve spoken to many locals over a long period of time about this project and the overwhelming feedback is that a supermarket at the roundabout near the strawberry farm in Eumundi will enhance convenience and lower the cost of living while creating much-needed jobs for locals,” she said via the press release.
“The location of the proposed supermarket will improve the amenity of the southern entrance to Eumundi while also allowing residents to access basic necessities without the congestion that arises within Eumundi due to visitors on market days.”
Ms Page expected council to discuss the supermarket at its next ordinary meeting, where she hoped progress could be made on the development.
She said council could “decide whether they recommend approving the proposed supermarket at the southern entrance to Eumundi with specific conditions, or refuse it while providing a list of reasons” and prevent unnecessary delays.
Mr Rigby also expected council to discuss the proposal.
“The approval rests in the hands of our local councillors, who have some fundamental concepts to review during their meeting, including the fact that the Sunshine Coast Council Planning Scheme 2014 envisions a supermarket for Eumundi,” he said.
“If councillors grant their approval for the supermarket application located opposite the strawberry farm, Eumundi could witness an operational supermarket and petrol station within 18 months.
“The potential benefits for the community are undeniably clear, and it’s imperative that decision-makers act in the best interest of Eumundi’s residents.”
A public meeting is scheduled at the Eumundi School of Arts Hall on Wednesday, October 11, at 6pm. The gathering will provide insights into the supermarket application and the roadmap to its possible approval.
Council could not confirm whether the topic would be spoken about at its next ordinary meeting on October 26, and did not comment on the matter other than to say the development was in an appeals process.
