Strong community opposition to a planned service station in the middle of town was the main focus of the first YADCA meeting this year.
Angry locals requested that YADCA spearhead a protest campaign against the development on the corner of Farrell and Stevens streets. People interested in getting involved in the YADCA campaign are encouraged to email Nigel Anns.
A letter from Yandina School of Arts, expressing community opposition, received applause when it was read to the gathering on Monday 8 February 2021.
Concerns about the development, at the very centre of the town include:
- Safety — tankers through residential streets plus a small roundabout
- Traffic — congestion caused by tankers and cars entering via Stevens Street and exiting into Farrell Street
- Environment — noise and fuel odours for Stevens Street residents and the nearby childcare centre; risk of site flooding
- Visual amenity/town character — an eyesore on the town’s most prominent corner, between the heritage listed School of Arts hall and the Feed Barn
At the meeting, Councillor David Law urged people to register their opinions, for or against, with Council via email: mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au. Submitters may also copy their emails to: Emily.Rehm@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and Marc.Cornell@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au. Please also copy to stoptheservo@yadca.org so YADCA can keep track of all submissions.
To view material relating to the development application, visit developmenti and search for application number: MCU21/0003.
This application, lodged by an overseas-based entrepreneur, has been referred to the state government planning watchdog SARA.
Cr Law suggested people register with developmenti to receive automatic updates about applications of interest to them.
Developments such as petrol stations are code assessable under Queensland law which means this plan has only to meet planning code standards to be approved.
Reverend David Tidey described the development as ‘totally inappropriate’. “It would be on the main corner of Yandina centre. It should not represent our historic town.”
Under the plans, petrol tankers would drive up Old Gympie Road, turn right at the roundabout into Buckle Street, then turn right again into Stevens Street. YADCA Vice President Marie Reeve described tankers travelling past homes as ‘mobile bombs’.
