19 applications in 5 years to build more service stations in Mackay

New data shows Central Qld is a hotspot for those cashing in at the fuel bowser with multiple homes a victim to the profit wrecking ball.

Mackay resident Julie Loxton’s rented house may be demolished to build a servo.

On average there is an application to build a new service station about every four months in the Mackay region.

The new data comes after renters on Nebo Rd revealed they were “scared” and “devastated” about a proposal to demolish three houses for a new service station that would force them out of their homes.

One of those renters, Julie Loxton, said servos were “gold mines” even when she worked at the Shell at Mackay’s ‘City Gates’ at the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Peak Downs Highway about 40 years ago.

“They made their money,” Ms Loxton said.

“And there’s so many now.

“It’s ridiculous.”

Julie Loxton, 69, has lived at 214 Nebo Road for 23 years. Photo: Zoe Devenport

Mackay Regional Council development services director Aletta Nugent said the council has received 19 bids for new service stations over the past five years, including four over the past 12 months.

Of those 19, four service stations were approved that required a home to be either removed or demolished.

Ms Nugent said fuel station developers had shown strong interest in Mackay.

“Council has issued decision notices for 13 service stations during that period (of five years),” she said.

“Two applications were withdrawn, and four are still under assessment.”

The new service station at 971 Bruce Highway, Farleigh, Mackay. Picture: Supplied

Ms Nugent added if an application was impact assessable, the developer would need to then also supply information demonstrating the local catchment or area required a new service station.

“These are considered and assessed on a case-by-case basis dependent on the specific development and location,” she said.

Myriad Mackay region residents have expressed there are already too many fuel stations across the region with Riska Nell slamming the latest Nebo Rd proposal as “ridiculous”.

Rob Rivelli called it “a joke” while Kim Thaler stated “service stations, minus the service, (were) taking over the country”.

And many commented the influx of applications indicated there was a “huge amount” of profit to be made.

Fuel companies reported record profits in 2022. Photo: News Corp

Record oil profits

Global oil giant BP made $8.15bn in profit from July to September this year, CNN reported, compared to $3.3bn the year before.

In lock-step, Exxon Mobil reported almost $20bn in net income over the same quarter, smashing its record of $17.9bn on the year prior.

The September RACQ Fuel Price Report states drivers are paying more at the bowser in Australia because of impacts of sanctions placed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

But the report shows Mackay’s unleaded price average has dropped from 209.4 cents in July to 174.3 in September.

Ms Nugent said the council did not keep a register of how many fuel stations were operating across the region but Fuel Price states there are 32.

Renters ‘shocked, devastated’ over Nebo Rd servo plans

This could soon become 33 if the Nebo Rd proposal is approved as renters say they are worried their homes will be razed to make way for the development.

Josh Carter and his family moved from Maryborough in February into the 1950s era house at 216 Nebo Rd in Mackay.

Josh Carter, 33, said it would be “devastating” to see 216 Nebo Road razed for a servo. Photo: Zoe Devenport

Recent documents submitted to Mackay Regional Council reveal plans to scrap the home to build another servo on the busy stretch of Bruce Highway.

Houses at 214 Nebo Road and 2 Lagoon Road are also slated for demolition if a development application by Brisbane Prestige Property Developments goes through.

“We love it (and) we don’t want to move,” Mr Carter said.

“If this does turn into a servo, we’re going to be devastated.

“Sure, it has it’s problems like any old house would, but it’s a house you can live in.

“It’s just down the road from the Botanic Gardens so we can go down there for walks.

216 Nebo Road, on the corner of Lagoon St, is one of three houses slated for demolition as a service station proposal goes before council. Photo: Zoe Devenport

“It’s perfect.”

Mr Carter said he hasn’t received an expected move-out date unlike his neighbour who heard they must be out by January 2023.

Julie Loxton has lived next door at 214 Nebo Road for 23 years and remembered seeing her future home while growing up in Bakers Creek.

Despite the eviction notice, which has been pushed back to July 1, Ms Loxton said she has a good relationship with her landlord Sam Scriha.

Proposal plans for a new Bruce Highway service station built on 214, 216 Nebo Road and 2 Lagoon Street, West Mackay. Photo: Contributed

“It’s just like home,” she said.

“Knocking them all down … I was a bit devo.

“I’m just sort of scared because (housemate Victor Rutledge) doesn’t like sudden change.”

Ms Loxton said she was “a bit shocked” when she heard the houses were being knocked down for a servo.

Both neighbours said the busy intersection didn’t seem like a good spot for the development as the slim Lagoon St may be “too hard … to drive in and out of”.

Proposal plans for a new Bruce Highway service station built on 214, 216 Nebo Road and 2 Lagoon Street, West Mackay. Photo: Contributed

There are currently eight other fuel stops on or near Nebo Rd, with two just a couple hundred metres up the highway.

Yet an economic assessment by Foresight Partners for the development estimates sales of around $7.8m in its first year.

“The proposal will seek to address a current and growing need in the trade area as the South and West Mackay area continues to grow,” documents state.

“It is concluded that there is a need for the proposed service station at the subject site.”

The Daily Mercury’s poll results on the proposed Nebo Rd/Lagoon St servo said 91 per cent of 356 voters thought it was not needed.

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