A prominent Eumundi local says she is buoyed by a recent development which has seen significant progress in the long-anticipated local supermarket development application thanks to the proactive efforts of local Councillor David Law.
Donata Page said the proposed development application was now scheduled for discussion at a full Sunshine Coast Council meeting on 26 October which she believes has the potential to prevent unnecessary delays and expedite the arrival of the much-needed supermarket in Eumundi.
“Thanks to our local councillor David Law, the approval responsibility now rests with our local councillors to communicate their stance to the Planning and Environment Court. They will decide whether they recommend approving the proposed supermarket at the southern entrance to Eumundi with specific conditions or refusing it while providing a list of reasons.
“I’ve spoken to many locals over a long period of time about this project and the overwhelming feedback is that a supermarket at the roundabout near the strawberry farm in Eumundi will enhance convenience and lower the cost of living while creating much needed jobs for locals.
“The location of the proposed supermarket will improve the amenity of the southern entrance to Eumundi while also allowing residents to access basic necessities without the congestion that arises within Eumundi due to visitors on market days.
“The architecture of the supermarket is also sensitive to its environment and will provide a visual connection to the local character of the township which is very important to our local community,” Donata said.
The supermarket consortium spokesperson Alex Rigby said he was pleased council would review the development application at a full meeting on Thursday 26 October and make a decision that was in the best interest of the Eumundi Community.
“This is a great outcome for our project as the approval rests in the hands of our local councillors who have some fundamental concepts to review during their meeting including the fact that the Sunshine Coast Council Planning scheme 2014 envisions a supermarket for Eumundi.
“During the advertising period, 95 per cent of the public respondents within the community have requested councillors’ support for a slightly different location than what the outdated planning scheme initially envisaged. Historically, there has been no successful amalgamation of land to deliver the size needed for Eumundi, underscoring the need for a pragmatic approach.
“Eumundi residents and those in the surrounding area have outlined numerous advantages that a supermarket would bring, particularly a dramatic cut in travel time to the grocery store. Currently, the closest shopping centre is in Cooroy which is 11.6km from the Eumundi township. This newfound convenience would undoubtedly enhance the overall quality of life for all Eumundi’s residents.
“Moreover, the proposal includes 92 much-needed parking spaces, easing family shopping trips and reducing the associated hassles. What’s more, this project has the potential to generate employment opportunities, breathing life into the local economy and enabling the community to prosper,” Alex said.
Mr Rigby believes that the town’s future should be shaped by the community’s needs, rather than an outdated town plan.
“Eumundi has evolved beyond being merely a market town. It now houses a growing and diverse resident population, and it’s only fitting that its infrastructure evolves to meet those needs.
“The resounding support from the community is a testament to the project’s value. An astonishing 95 per cent of the 164 submissions during the formal advertising period were in favour of the supermarket,” he said.
Mr Rigby said as the appeal process unfolds, the community remains optimistic of a positive outcome.
“If councillors grant their approval for the supermarket application located opposite the strawberry farm, Eumundi could witness an operational supermarket and petrol station within 18 months. The potential benefits for the community are undeniably clear, and it’s imperative that decision-makers act in the best interest of Eumundi’s residents.”
Community members who wish to express their views on this matter should reach out to SCC councillors and Mayor Mark Jamieson. A public meeting is scheduled at the Eumundi School of Arts Hall on Wednesday 11 October, at 6pm. This gathering will provide invaluable insights into the supermarket application and the roadmap to its approval.
