What you said: Community responds to council’s stalemate with developer over Zarraffa’s outlet

With Maranoa Regional Council and a developer locked in a stalemate over plans for a new coffee outlet, the community has shared their thoughts on the situation, and what they might like to see on the vacant block.

The Maranoa Regional Council and a prospective developer are in a stalemate over the approval conditions imposed on a Zarraffa's Coffee franchise development in Roma.

In the wake of news that Maranoa Regional Council would not be changing the conditions to their preliminary approval of Zarraffa’s coffee outlet development on the vacant lot at 41 Quintin St, Roma, locals have shared their thoughts on the matter.

The development was granted preliminary approval in March of 2024, and despite the developer Jack Ray’s best efforts, all the original conditions were upheld by council in their July 24 ordinary meeting. 

The Gold Coast based developer described the council as “difficult to deal with” and said his experience with them was “the most difficult and frustrating” of his career.

In their deliberation, the Maranoa Regional Council said they did not want to gatekeep economic development, but equally cited numerous traffic concerns.

Mr Ray questioned whether the Maranoa Regional Council was within their purview in imposing conditions based on traffic issues, when the Department of Transport and Main Roads had no concerns.

“(I believe that) council officers made up their minds early in the process to recommend refusal of the development and weren’t interested in having any constructive discussions about their technical reasons or interested in any of our expert’s attempts to alleviate their concerns,” Mr Ray said.

As the issue lies at a stalemate, the community have expressed their opinions on Facebook.

Local businesses first

Local business owner, Genevieve Rogers said she would prefer to see more locally-owned businesses.

“I’ve just opened a drive through coffee venue in Roma (Bang Bang Coffee) and as a local since 2014 I’d love to see more local owner operated businesses that actually support the local community,” she wrote.

Marg Oakman agreed locally-owned businesses were “much nicer,” but said she understood it was a struggle to retain employees.

“I am very disappointed that we have just recently lost two cafes owned by gorgeous local people..sad to see,” she wrote

“I would love to see locals in the Plaza but the rent is so high it frightens people away.”

Kent Morris disagreed with the developer’s comments.

“I think the developer’s comments demonstrate a lack of understanding of the issues that face our community,” he wrote.

“The last thing we need is more impediments to highway traffic at that intersection.

“I thought the compromise (to use Bowen street) was a good work around.

“The developer’s comments regarding the planning staff are rude and unwarranted.

This sentiment was shared by Amy Clark.

“The developers comments about council officers are clearly unwarranted,” she wrote.

“The intersection in question is one of the most dangerous in the region and is close to a state school, where if you have lived in Roma, you would have in your memory the amount of crashes that happen on a regular basis.

“The intersection itself is fraught with issues that (btw) TMR don’t address or try to resolve.

“The only clear and sensible decision is for the access for this development is to be off Bowen St.

“While it is important to Roma’s economy to thrive through developments and investment, it’s also clear that a big developer like this doesn’t understand the nuisances or issues of a small town.

“Let’s keep bolstering our small business community so they can thrive and we won’t need big corporations taking over the town.”

Good for the community

On the other hand, Karen Walker seemed to support the idea of the development.

“This would be nice for our little community,” she wrote.

“I wonder if it (will) get in or be like every thing (else) that tries to come here . Our town has had a lot (of) shops close, we could do with something new.”

Would cause traffic disaster

Former deputy mayor, Geoff McMullen weighed in, saying any development with ingress or egress onto Quintin St should be out of the question.

“Any business that intends setting up on the site in question should NOT be given approval to leave or access Quintin St,” he wrote.

“With the large number of of heavy vehicles traversing this intersection it would be a recipe for serious accidents.”

Not another coffee shop

John Stafford took a different issue, saying Roma needs something other than a coffee shop altogether.

“Roma needs (a) Big W, Aldi or Coles, not another coffee shop or servo,” he wrote.

What you want

When asked what the town would like to see on the lot, the community provided varied responses.

Robyn Broughton said they’d like to see an “Aldi or Big W” on the lot.

Jenny Webb provided a range of things they’d like to see there.

“Sushi, Bubble Tea, Health Food Shop, Cold Rock, Baskin & Robins Ice Cream,” she wrote.

Annette Vanderwolf wrote: “Roller skating rink with drive through drop off/ pick up.”

Stephen Jai Brown wrote: “No more coffee shops plz it’s overkill, got enuff in town as there is… best coffee is at the hospital cafe.”

Sam Cormack wrote: “Permanent market stalls. Able to be rented out. Daily/weekly.”

Leslie Ries wrote: “A business that’s prepared to have its entry and exit from Bowen St only not another takeaway.”

Cody-Lee Howlett said something family friendly would be ideal.

“I don’t think they honestly would build or do something for kids/family, don’t get me wrong it would awesome if they did!” they wrote.

“A water park a cinema, plus something affordable for families and not costing an arm and leg.”

Suzi Murphy shared a similar sentiment.

“Something more family liking would be a great ideal option “Time Zone” or even a cinema (would) be good again my thoughts anyway.”

Craig Shellswell said perhaps roadwork needs to be undertaken before development is considered on the lot.

“Maybe main roads better fix that intersection first,” he wrote.

Originally published as What you said: Community responds to council’s stalemate with developer over Zarraffa’s outlet