A historic local group has received formal notice that its renowned store and petrol station will be demolished for a car park, and efforts are being made to relocate their services.
The Beerwah Co-Op was officially told by the Department of Transport that their lease for a state-owned site on Simpson Street will not be renewed beyond 2027, despite more than 3200 people signing a petition.
The buildings will make way for an expanded Beerwah Station, which will be part of The Wave: a multibillion-dollar rail and metro vehicle route from Beerwah to Sunshine Coast Airport.
The co-op board told Sunshine Coast News they were disappointed but determined to continue their operations elsewhere in the area.
“Naturally, this news has been confronting for the board, staff, members and the broader community, particularly given the co-op’s long-standing presence in Beerwah and the important role it has played in servicing the region for many decades,” a board member said.
“The general sentiment amongst team members and shareholders is one of disappointment regarding the loss of the current site, but also determination to see the co-op continue.
“While the current situation presents significant challenges, the board remains focused on ensuring the co-op … emerges from this process stronger and more sustainable.
“Discussions and investigations are actively underway regarding alternative locations within Beerwah to continue operations and maintain local services for the community.
“The co-op is exploring opportunities that would allow the continuation of key services including fuel, convenience retail, agricultural supplies, hardware and associated community-focused offerings.
“The board is optimistic that a pathway forward can be achieved. However, there remains considerable work to do and discussions are still ongoing with various stakeholders.”
A TMR spokesperson said the co-op would make way for a crucial project.
“The Wave is part of the Queensland Government’s once in a generation investment to build the public transport and roads the Sunshine Coast needs.”
“Frequent trains will connect Beerwah directly with Brisbane and coastal areas of the Sunshine Coast, with passenger demand at Beerwah station projected to significantly increase.”
“To accommodate that growth, Beerwah station will be upgraded and expanded to include an additional platform and a redeveloped station precinct with a park ‘n’ ride, bus interchange, and kiss ‘n’ ride facilities.”
In planning for the station expansion, an assessment of potential locations for a proposed park ‘n’ ride was undertaken. Multiple design agencies and engineering specialists also reviewed alternative station layouts and potential locations for the park ‘n’ ride, but those locations were not considered suitable, with each one presenting significant constraints.
When it became apparent the impact to the co-op site would be highly likely, TMR contacted the group’s board to arrange a meeting and inform them.
The department has worked with the board to discuss their next steps, including possible re-location opportunities for the fuel station and hardware store, and potential future opportunities associated with the redeveloped precinct.
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The board detailed the co-op’s long-running impact in the area.
“The Beerwah Co-Op has been part of the community fabric for close to 90 years.
“Beyond simply being a fuel and retail business, it has historically provided a locally owned and community-driven service model where profits and benefits are reinvested back into the region.
“Many locals have a personal connection to the co-op through generations of farming, trade, employment and community involvement.”
TMR’s formal notice to the co-up comes despite a petition created by created by ‘Beerwah Co-Op and Simpson St Servo’, titled ‘Save Beerwah Co-op & Simpson St Servo – Heart of Beerwah Action Group’, which attracted plenty of support.
“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 stated.
