More than 2,600 people have rallied to urge the state government to save the 90-year-old Beerwah Co-Op and an associated service station from being displaced by a major rail project. The community’s concerns have been voiced through a change.org petition, appealing to authorities to reconsider plans that would see the co-op’s site repurposed for an expanded car park at Beerwah Station, a critical hub for a new multibillion-dollar rail line extending to Birtinya.
The petition, initiated by ‘Beerwah Co-Op and Simpson St Servo’, underscores the potential loss of over 50 jobs and significant disruption to the community. It states,
“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 co-op, which serves 30,000 customers monthly, is also a major supporter of local clubs and schools.
Community and Economic Impact
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has acknowledged that the co-op is situated on state-owned land likely to be impacted by the rail project. Discussions are ongoing between the department and the co-op board regarding potential solutions, including relocation. A spokesperson for the co-op board emphasized the importance of the co-op’s survival, stating,
“The Beerwah Fruit Growers Co-operative is a member-owned cooperative that has served the community for nearly 90 years.”
The co-op’s unique business model focuses on returning proceeds to its members through discounts or reinvestment into the business and community, contrasting with businesses driven by external shareholders. The co-op’s integrated operations with the Shell service station are crucial to its financial viability, providing essential rural and hardware supplies and employing local staff.
Historical Significance and Future Prospects
Established in the mid-1930s to support local growers, the co-op has evolved alongside Beerwah while staying true to its community-focused cooperative model. The service station, integral to the co-op’s operations, is the only outlet in Beerwah capable of servicing larger vehicles, trucks, and agricultural equipment. Its presence supports the co-op’s financial model by keeping prices competitive and services viable for members.
The board has expressed a preference for the project design to accommodate the co-op on its current site. However, if relocation becomes necessary, they insist that any solution must include both the retail store and fuel infrastructure within Beerwah to ensure long-term viability.
Government Plans and Public Transport Expansion
Meanwhile, TMR has indicated that lease agreements on rail corridor land include conditions allowing for the land’s use for transport purposes during the lease term. The department is collaborating with the co-op board to explore next steps, including potential opportunities within 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,”
a spokesperson stated.
The proposed car park and expanded train station are part of a new public transport network, dubbed The Wave, which includes a new train line from Beerwah to Birtinya and metro buses connecting Birtinya to Maroochydore and Sunshine Coast Airport. This network aims to deliver faster, more frequent, and reliable public transport between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, supporting future growth and the 2032 Games.
Detailed design of the upgraded Beerwah Station precinct is expected to commence this year, with opportunities for public feedback and consultation. Major construction is anticipated to start in early 2027, pending environmental approvals. The plans feature an additional platform, expanded park ‘n’ ride facilities, a new bus interchange, and improved station amenities.
Sunshine Coast News has reached out to local MP Kendall Morton for comments, as the community awaits further developments in this unfolding story.
