Harvey Norman applies to open Cannonvale Whitsundays store near BCF, Supercheap

The shopping options for Whitsunday region residents are about to expand with three big-box retailers revealing designs for brand new shops. Find out who they are.

Co-Proprietor Michael Spencer at Harvey Norman in Homemaker Centre, Fortitude Valley. Picture: Richard Walker

After more than 29 months on the application table, one of Australia’s largest retailers is expected to get the green light for a new store in the Whitsundays.

Whitsunday councillors are recommended to approve a new “purpose-built” Harvey Norman showroom at 2-12 Central Ave in Cannonvale during the ordinary meeting of the council on Wednesday.

It will replace the existing Harvey Norman store just down the road at 8 Galbraith Park Drive.

Yoolagu first submitted its proposal to Whitsunday Regional Council back in May, 2020 but faced delays after being required to upgrade the intersection of Galbraith Park Dr and Shute Harbour Rd to traffic lights.

Yoolagu has applied to build a new Harvey Norman store in Cannonvale in line with the aesthetic of other Harvey Norman stores across the country. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Dean Martin

“(The) showroom (will display) furniture, household electrical appliances, goods, computers sales and service, and includes an area for warehousing of goods and appliances,” documents state.

The application has also asked for a 50 per cent discount on $664,071 of infrastructure charges under the council’s Development Incentives Policy but officers have recommended councillors deny the request.

The stretch along Shute Harbour Rd in Cannonvale will be busy as council approves development plans for a new commercial showroom which will include a BCF and Supercheap Auto store at the corner of Galbraith Rd. Picture: Documents submitted to Whitsunday Regional Council

“Should council approve the DIP request, with current allocated funds, council can reduce the charge by a maximum of $50,000,” documents state.

The development proposal comes after Whitsunday councillors voted to approve the construction of BCF and Supercheap Auto stores as part of a new showroom precinct opposite Whitsunday Plaza along Shute Harbour Rd in Cannonvale.