Kybong service station demolished by Puma ahead of sale

The owners of the hugely popular centre just south of Gympie have revealed why they are bulldozing the petrol pumps and shops on the land they bought as part of a nationwide $10.85m deal in 2020.

The owners of the once-popular Matilda Service Station at Kybong have bulldozed the disused convenience store and fuel pumps ahead of plans to sell the property.

The service station, which for decades was a one-stop shop for drivers on the Bruce Highway south of Gympie was demolished last week.

It had been shut since the new $14.4 million Traveston Service Centre opened in November 2020.

The land was bought by Puma Energy (Australia) Fuels in May 2020, as one of 12 Australian properties in a $10.85 million deal.

Construction crews demolish the service station. Picture: Contributed.

A Chevron Australia Downstream spokesman said the station and shop were torn down as part of the site’s environmental remediation.

“Tanks have been removed and fuel systems decommissioned. The convenience store has been demolished,” he said.

The once-bustling petrol station is now a vacant block.

“The environmental remediation is expected to take a few months.

“Once complete, the site will be sold as freehold land later this year.”

He said the company would remain committed to the new Traveston centre.

“We continue to enjoy great support from the local community at Puma Traveston, with increased traffic along the Bruce Hwy,” he said.

“Even our tallest staff member Matilda, the 1982 Commonwealth Games mascot, has been busier than ever posing for hundreds of selfies following the announcement of the Brisbane Olympics.”