Moffat Beach service station development receives green light for 24 hour opening

A court has found a new 24 hour servo will improve ease and convenience in a beachside Sunshine Coast suburb, despite community backlash.

The owner of a Sunshine Coast service station can go ahead with a planned redevelopment for a 24-hour 7 Eleven at a beachside suburb.

The Planning and Environment Court recently found in Ashanti Logistics’ favour in its dispute against Sunshine Coast Council over its Moffat Beach redevelopment.

The company argued against a council condition that restricted opening hours to 7am-10pm and instead wanted to open 24 hours.

The project had received community backlash with residents writing in objection to it ahead of the council’s decision.

Dozens of written objections were made to the council including about the 24-hour use, increased noise, light, late-night traffic and safety and character concerns.

Ashanti Logistics won its appeal against Sunshine Coast Council’s condition around its opening hours for the redevelopment of the Moffat Beach service station.

An appeal was lodged in April 2021 against the council’s condition around the hours of operation.

Judge Nicole Kefford this month found in the company’s favour in a Brisbane Planning and Environment Court decision.

She found the condition should not be imposed.

Ms Kefford said the average patronage would diminish during night-time hours.

“The existence of the proposed development to cater for such average (albeit low) patronage will improve services and facilities available in the immediate area,” her decision read.

“It will improve the ease, comfort, convenience, and efficient lifestyle of the community of Moffat Beach.”

She found the condition was not lawful because it would “not result in an adverse amenity impact”.

The Roderick St site has had a service station since 1958 with the current facility built in 1975.

Ashanti Logistics wants to demolish the existing structure and replace it with a modern service station building with the proposed tenant a 7-Eleven.