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.
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.”
