Spotlight Group says Gympie a ‘desired’ location despite Noosa rejection

The rejection of a large scale Spotlight Group development tipped to create 1000 jobs may have opened the door for a similar development in Gympie, with the company and local leaders keen to explore options here.

Noosa council’s rejection of a major Spotlight Group development tipped to create 1000 jobs has not dampened the company’s interest in the surrounding areas, with Gympie leaders saying they would welcome the chance to consider a simialr proposal here.

Noosa council’s rejection of a large Spotlight shopping centre has not dampened the retail giant’s interest in Gympie as it eyes new locations across regional Queensland.

On Monday, the retail chain had a proposal to build a major centre at Noosaville rejected by the courts and Noosa Regional Council.

The project was tipped to create more than 1000 jobs.

It included large retail stores, small businesses, healthcare services, food and drink outlets and an indoor sport and recreation centre.

The council first refused the project in February 2020 saying it was in the developers “self interest” and resulted in a serious departure from the region’s planning scheme.

The Spotlight Group, which recently received approval for similar developments in other regional centres including a Hervey Bay shopping complex and a Rockhampton project that could be under construction by the middle of 2022, maintained planning, economic and community need existed for the project at Noosaville.

A subsequent appeal in the Planning Courts was rejected.

Mayor Glen Hartwig said the added retail opportunities that would come with a Gympie Spotlight would be a boon for employment. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Asked if the company would instead consider the growing Gympie region for a project, Spotlight Group Executive Deputy Chairman Zac Fried said “both Gympie and Noosa are desired locations for The Spotlight Group and our brands”.

“We remain committed to these regions and we would welcome opportunities to buy or lease in both areas,” he said

While Noosa’s leaders might have walked away from such a large-scale proposal there were some in Gympie who would be happy to consider the possibility.

Mayor Glen Hartwig said he would “absolutely” welcome the idea of the Spotlight Group setting up shop in the region.

“As if you’d say ‘no’ to that?” Mr Hartwig said.

He was not aware any such proposal had been floated with the council’s planning department but said the idea had a lot to offer.

“Apart from the added retail services and products, the job opportunities for those who may require part-time or full-time work would be welcome.”

Gympie Chamber of Commerce president Petra Van Beek said retail chains like Spotlight were great for training locals entering the workforce. Photo: Contributed.

Gympie Chamber of Commerce president Petra Van Beek said large scale retail shops offered increased employment chances for residents.

“It’s the type of roles you can train up locals for,” Ms Van Beek said.

“With specialist industry you can’t.”

She said it was crucial that any such proposal go through full public consultation.

“We are big on community consultation,” she said.

“We would like to see more of it.”