More than 2600 people are urging the state government to save a 90-year-old supply store and a service station from being overwhelmed by a major rail project.
A change.org petition has implored authorities to retain the Beerwah Co-Op, which has been earmarked for resumption. It’s set to make way for an expanded car park at the Beerwah Station, a key location for a new multibillion-dollar rail line to Birtinya.
The petition, created by ‘Beerwah Co-Op and Simpson St Servo’, appealed for understanding.
“We believe that a car park is not worth the loss of over 50 jobs and massive disruption to the community through the loss of a major business like the co-op.”
The petition states that the co-op serves 30,000 customers per month and is a major contributor to local clubs and schools.
Help keep independent and fair Sunshine Coast news coming by subscribing to our FREE daily news feed. All it requires is your email at the bottom of this article.
A Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) spokesperson said the co-op was on state-owned land that is “highly likely” to be impacted by the rail project, and the department and the co-op board were discussing options including relocation.
Board of Coochin Creek Fruitgrowers Co-operative James Stretch told Sunshine Coast News that it must survive.
“The Beerwah Fruit Growers Co-operative is a member-owned cooperative that has served the community for nearly 90 years,” he said.
“Unlike businesses focused on external shareholders, our proceeds are returned to members through discounts or reinvested into the business and community.”
The co-op is owned by its members and is governed by an elected board. The Shell service station is operated by the co-op and is “integral to its financial viability”. They are viewed as a single, integrated community business.
“The co-op provides essential rural and hardware supplies and employs local staff. Its removal would be a permanent loss of locally controlled infrastructure,” the spokesperson said.
“(And) the service station is critical infrastructure. It is the only outlet in Beerwah capable of servicing larger vehicles, trucks and agricultural equipment that require high flow refuelling and larger turning circles. Furthermore, the station supports the co-op’s financial model, helping to keep prices competitive and services viable for our members.”
Mr Stretch detailed the co-op’s history.
“Established in the mid-1930s to support local growers, the co-op has evolved alongside the town while remaining true to its community-focused cooperative model.”
“The service station has operated in conjunction with the co-op for many years, and together they form a vital institution in Beerwah’s economy.”
Mr Stretch outlined the board’s stance, including the possibility of relocation.
“Our preference is for the project design to allow the co-op to remain on its existing site.”
“If relocation becomes unavoidable, any solution must include both the retail store and the fuel infrastructure within Beerwah to ensure the co-op’s long-term viability.”
Meanwhile, the TMR spokesperson said lease agreements on rail corridor land contain conditions “stating the land may be required during the lease term for transport purposes”.
The spokesperson said the department was working with the co-op board to the discuss next steps, “including potential future opportunities in the new park ‘n’ ride retail space.”
“TMR will continue to provide appropriate support to the co-op board and the wider community prior to and during construction.’
The spokesperson said the department, design agencies and engineering specialists have reviewed alternate locations for the car park.
The car park and expanded train station will represent one section of a new public transport network dubbed The Wave, including a new train line from Beerwah and Birtinya and metro buses from Birtinya to Maroochydore and Sunshine Coast Airport.
The Wave is expected to deliver faster, more frequent and reliable public transport between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, to support future growth and the 2032 Games.
Detailed design of the upgraded Beerwah Station precinct is expected to start this year, with more opportunities for public feedback and consultation on the design.
Major construction is expected to start in early 2027, subject to environmental approvals.
The plans include an additional platform, with existing platforms future-proofed for extension to accommodate longer trains.
The design is also proposed to include: expanded park ‘n’ ride facilities to support more commuters; a new bus interchange and kiss ‘n’ ride zone for smoother drop-offs and connections; station facilities including ticket office, public toilets, secure cycle and scooter storage, CCTV and improved lighting; new and upgraded active transport facilities; and public access through the station to provide a connection between Beerwah Parade and Simpson Street.
SCN has reached out to local MP Kendall Morton for comments.
The aerial imagery in this story is from Australian location intelligence company Nearmap. The company provides government organisations, architectural, construction and engineering firms, and other companies, with easy, instant access to high-resolution aerial imagery, city-scale 3D content, artificial intelligence data sets, and geospatial tools to assist with urban planning, monitoring and development projects in Australia, New Zealand and North America.
