Altum Property Group’s Eumundi supermarket approved after two years

A developer has won approval to build Eumundi’s first supermarket after unveiling his plans two years ago, with a competing proposal also withdrawn earlier this year.

Altum Property Group has revealed plans to open a small supermarket at Eumundi.

The company behind one of two proposals to build Eumundi’s first supermarket has celebrated a major win after the court handed down a favourable outcome.

Altum Property Group, the business leading Eumundi Holdings Pty Ltd, applied to establish a supermarket and specialty retail block at 10 Memorial Dr, Eumundi in February, 2022.

The matter was taken to the Planning and Environment Court for assessment in 2023 after the group lodged their application to have received a “deemed refusal” and Sunshine Coast Council could no longer impose a decision.

A Sunshine Coast Council spokesman said the deemed refusal was lodged with the court “before council could issue a decision notice, being due on 13 September 2023.”

Director Alex Rigby said he was satisfied with the outcome when Judge Michael Williamson ultimately handed down an approval for their proposal on July 10.

He noted the development would align with the suburb’s town plan, which shows a clear need for a supermarket.

The council spokesman said a mediation meeting was held with Altum Property Group in June and the company agreed to the council’s final conditions package on July 8.

Mr Rigby was “pleased” with council’s positive response and “commended” it for supporting their development.

“This approval marks a significant day for the people of Eumundi and the surrounding catchment,” he said.

Altum Property Group’s plans to open a small supermarket at Eumundi.

“We firmly believe that without council’s support, Eumundi would have faced an indefinite delay in acquiring a supermarket, which would have been detrimental for a town that has seen substantial growth since we first submitted our application.”

The supermarket proposal received 166 submissions during its public notification period in 2022, with more than 150 supporting the plans.

Mr Rigby said the positive feedback accumulated to 95 percent of the Eumundi community seeing a need for a supermarket.

“This will enhance convenience for Eumundi residents and its surrounding areas while potentially reducing the overall cost of living,” Mr Rigby said.

The council spokesman said two co-respondents had initially joined the appeal - Louise Formosa and development company Stockwell - who each withdrew from the matter in March and May this year.

Ms Formosa represented the Formosa family who also pitched plans to develop a supermarket at 124 Memorial Drive, 18 Elizabeth Street, 9 Caplick Way and 1 and 3 Cook Street in Eumundi.

Their plans were officially lodged with council in October, 2023 but were withdrawn in February this year.

Altum Property Group will review the approval and plan their next steps with their commercial partners.