Beerwah Homemaker Centre ... what the locals say

Beerwah Homemaker Centre development application … what the locals think

The Beerwah Homemaker Centre proposal – with a Coles supermarket, McDonald’s, petrol station, retail showroom, hardware/nursery, gym, bulky goods homemaker centre and a zone for service/ light industry development on 16.5 hectares on the southern corner of Roys Road and Steve Irwin Way in Beerwah – has been a hot topic of discussion around the region.

GC&M News has published information in the past couple of weeks about the developments, what they propose to deliver, the reasons why the developers (Coles Group Property Developments Ltd) believe it will be beneficial to everyone (including existing local businesses) and reactions from business leaders and elected representatives.

This week we asked local residents and readers what they think.

As would be expected from a diverse community such as ours, reaction has been mixed.

Some lamented the loss of the country town feel

“Beerwah is growing up fast … please don't lose the country spirit.”

“I like the way things were 20 years ago.”

Some wondered if it would get off the ground

"Heard about this 12 years ago and still waiting."

"This has been in the pipeline for years. Westfield were originally looking at this land like 6-7 years ago."

Many wondered about the impact on existing businesses

“We don't need another petrol station or a fast food place when there's plenty of lovely local cafés and restaurants. We have the Co-op for hardware. Big companies taking away local businesses.”

“We living in a capitalist country – we like it or not, big fish eats the little ones.”

“Very bad news for local businesses like the Coop. New jobs will come at the expense of small businesses and the local people they already employ.”

“Really!!!! A Coles supermarket ... we already have three supermarkets in a small town – Woolworths, Fresh & Save and Aldi. What makes them think a Coles will do good for Beerwah as well. What about a Kmart or Big W. Just saying.”

“Maccas NOT needed, plenty of great private owned family takeouts already in both Landsborough and Beerwah.”

Some were positive

“Be great for kids and jobs.”“Oh yes please, would be great for Beerwah.”

“Will be good for jobs for younger people in the area and a place for families with young ones to catch up.”

"Hope it goes through and soon too."

"More work for local people and especially younger ones. I think it's great that our town is growing."

“Yes I’m loving the idea of development, shops, etc going in. The place is growing, homes are going up everywhere. So it’s a need - bring it on.”

“It will definitely bring more attention to Beerwah and only grow the area even more! Will also save us all the trip to shop further away at places like Sunshine Plaza, Caloundra and Caboolture.”

Some had a bet each way

“All for it if they can get that intersection right.”

“Not McDonald's!! But Coles yes! How about Big W or Kmart?”

“No more Maccas, but my husband and many other men I know want a KFC.”

“Don't like the design. We have enough open square shopping centres. We need a proper closed in, air conditioned shopping centre to sit and meet people out of the heat and rain. The new centre of Beerwah, based on Steve Irwin Way, not the other side of the railway line. It was always going to happen.”

“My kids are 10, 8 and 7 so somewhat selfishly I am looking forward to it as it will provide parttime work opportunities for them in the shortterm future. It will, however, take away from the character of the area, which is a shame, but I accept that progress is inevitable.”

Some pondered other possible impacts

“Great ... more McDonald's wrappers to litter our streets.”

"I pick up enough Macca's rubbish along Roys Roas as it is."

"And have it sit half empty like one-two in Morayfield."

“Yes Steve Irwin Way and Roys Road will be horrible. Do you plan to make Roys Road to the highway 4 lanes!! ... IT SHOULD BE!!”

The topic was also one for letter writers, including this from Joan Tucker:

So many of the "Benefits to the Beerwah Community" as outlined in the proposal by the Coles Group simply do not stack up. A zoning change to accommodate this proposal will result in less available industrial land while owners of land in the current commercial precinct will be denied the opportunity to develop the potential of their investment. As for additional jobs created by the proposed development. Our local supermarkets would not be able to retain their current level of staffing once Coles captures the predicted 21.4% of the market. Job cuts within the established supermarkets would have to be factored in when forecasting increased local employment if the Coles proposal were to go ahead. Furthermore, who in this community would want to see Beerwah township split into two commercial precincts and divided by a busy road.

Joan Tucker, Glass House Mountains

The process will take time to work through the mechanisms of Sunshine Coast Council.

As Cr Rick Baberowski said in GC&M News last week, there won’t be any decisions for 6-12 months and the community will have the opportunity to have their say through the official submissions process.

GC&M News is committed to keeping the local community informed and aware of significant development happening in the region, meaning you’ll find out everything you need to know by reading and supporting your local newspaper.