The site of a former service station that has been left vacant since its demolition could again become a fuel stop, after an application to develop it was submitted to the local council.
The proposal involves constructing a 24-hour service station on a 5194sqm rural-zoned allotment on the northern side of Steve Irwin Way at Glenview.
It would include eight fuel bowsers for cars and two bowsers for trucks, plus a shop, in a 160sqm building.
The site is on the corner with Mooloolah Connection Road, opposite the Glenview Par 3 Golf Course.
A planning assessment report submitted to Sunshine Coast Council by Enhance Urban Planning on behalf of applicant New Pleasant No. 2 Pty Ltd outlines the proposal.
“The development is considered a stop-and-go retail opportunity for customers rather than a medium to long-term rest stop,” it says.
The report says the site – which is owned by Mobil Oil Australia Pty Ltd – had been utilised as a service station in the past.
“Mobil demolished and remediated the former service station to avoid any potential liability for contamination (as many operators do),” it states. “While the developer does not intend to rely upon existing use rights to justify the proposed development, the existence of those rights is a relevant matter that should be taken into account when assessing and deciding the development application.”
A circulating driveway would go around the bowsers and building, with access in and out via the same driveway on Steve Irwin Way.
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Pre-lodgement meetings with council officers were held in 2018 and 2019, with the report saying the applicant had further refined the proposal to address matters raised.
“The current proposal is consistent with the scale and intensity anticipated by the rural zone and aligns with council’s intent for the area whilst providing additional services in an appropriate location,” it says.
The report says a service station is a ‘potentially consistent use’ in the rural zone.
“Given the size of the site, its potential for agriculture is limited,” it says.
An economic impact assessment by Location IQ provided as part of the application provides further information about the anticipated outcomes of the proposal.
“A total of 77,348 vehicles are projected to purchase fuel at the proposed Glenview facility on an annual basis and generate annual fuel sales of around 3.3 million litres in 2027. This is a sustainable volume of fuel sales for a service station,” it says.
“It is of note that the average annual daily traffic of 16,953 (6.2 million vehicles annually) was recorded to the south of the subject site along Steve Irwin Way, making it one of the busiest roads within the region. Traffic movements will likely increase over time given the proposed future population growth within the main trade area, specifically the Beerwah East region.
“There are currently six service stations provided across the main trade area … to serve the population catchment of 22,880 persons (i.e. one for every 3800 persons). At a provision more appropriately at one for every 3500 persons (the Australian average given the rural and peri-urban nature of the catchment), seven service stations would be supportable currently.
“The three closest service stations within the main trade area are all BP branded meaning any new service station would provide additional choice and competition in the trade area.”
In a statement to Sunshine Coast News, the applicant said they were proud to propose the new service station with convenience store.
“(It is) ideally located on one of the region’s busiest – although poorly serviced – roads, Steve Irwin Way, catering to both a growing local population and significant tourist traffic,” it read.
“Designed to meet rising demand, improve choice for residents/travellers and alleviate the ever-mounting affordability pressures of the cost-of-living crisis, the development promises choice, price-competitiveness and accessibility, while having minimal impact upon nearby retailers.
“With capacity to support future population growth and boost local employment through 31 new jobs, this project represents a practical, affordable and community-focused addition to the area’s infrastructure.”
The application triggers referral to State Assessment and Referral Agency because of its proximity to the state-controlled Steve Irwin Way, and is subject to impact assessment.
