Bruce Hwy truck stop south of Proserpine planned

A WAY forward for a new fuel stop is a step closer to reality after a decision was made by the Whitsunday Regional Council on Wednesday.

The plan of the proposed truck stop south of Proserpine on the Bruce Hwy.

A WAY forward for a new fuel stop is a step closer to reality after a decision was made by the Whitsunday Regional Council on Wednesday.

A company on behalf of Crokers Fuel and Oil made an application for a material change of use to a parcel of land on the Bruce Hwy 1.3km south of Proserpine for a large-scale truck stop, restaurant and shop.

The change of use application passed unanimously.

Crokers Fuel and Oil general manager David Hindle said the decision by councillors on Wednesday was a positive sign for the development.

"Its been on the go for the last 12 months. We still have a few hurdles to jump but the project is going forward," he said.

The locally owned and run agent for Caltex could not confirm if a big-name national fuel supplier would come on board, but Mr Hindle did indicate the company was looking at attracting a major food franchise to offer a drive-through service.

Mr Hindle said the project would now move into the planning stage.

"Because Crokers is a local company, we will be looking at local contractors as much as we can," MrHindle said.

Deputy Mayor John Collins said the proposed truck stop was in a great position for traffic entering Proserpine from the south

"Anything that provides employment for the people of Prosperine is a boost for the whole town.

"Any development in this area is going to be a benefit to the whole town," CrCollins said.

The proposal includes an internal dining area, an outdoor area and children's play area.

The service centre will be a truck-friendly environment with a lounge, shower and laundry facility.