The Beerwah Co-op’s plans for a new home have taken a step forward following positive discussions with Sunshine Coast Council.
The 90-year-old organisation says relocation planning is progressing as it works with Devcon Property Group on a proposed development at 8 Roys Road, Beerwah, which would include a new fuel service station, carwash and a modern trade, hardware and garden centre.
According to the co-op, representatives from both parties recently met with Sunshine Coast Council to discuss the proposal and the planning pathway required to bring it to fruition.
The update comes just weeks after the co-op received formal notice that its lease over the state-owned Simpson Street site will not be renewed beyond June 2027, with the buildings to make way for an expanded Beerwah Station as part of The Wave public transport project.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads previously advised that the site was required for the multibillion-dollar rail and metro corridor linking Beerwah and Sunshine Coast Airport, describing the project as a “once in a generation investment” in the region’s transport network.
The decision sparked significant community support for the co-op, with more than 3200 people signing a petition calling for it to remain at its current location. Despite the disappointment, the co-op board consistently said it was determined to continue operating elsewhere in Beerwah.
Beerwah Co-op treasurer and secretary James Stretch said the recent council meeting represented an important milestone.
“This was an encouraging step forward for the co-op and the broader development team,” he said.
“While there is still a considerable amount of work to be completed, it was pleasing to receive constructive feedback and support for the overall vision.”
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He said the organisation remained focused on securing a long-term future while continuing to provide fuel, hardware, agricultural supplies and other essential services to members and the wider community.
The co-op said it left the meeting encouraged by the feedback received and believed the project’s objectives aligned with the future needs of the Beerwah community, although significant planning, design and approval work remains.
The board also acknowledged the support of councillor Jenny Broderick, who facilitated the meeting, along with Devcon Property Group and the Department of Transport and Main Roads as relocation planning continues.
