New Bunya Highway service station changes approved by council

Bright lights aside, the South Burnett Regional Council has unanimously voted in favour of some planning changes for a new service station to be built in Wondai.

New plans have been revealed for the approved service station for Wondai. Image: SBRC.

South Burnett Regional Council this week approved a change to the plans for a service station development at 4 Scott St, Wondai.

The application, lodged by SJS Fuels Pty Ltd via Project Urban, sought amendments to the existing material change of use development permit, initially approved in August 2021.

The updated plans revealed a 1.8m high acoustic fence designed to shield adjoining residential properties from excessive noise.

The fence will be covered with trees and shrubs to enhance the visual appeal, while shade trees and ground cover planting will be added alongside the driveway for a greener, more pleasant environment.

The service station will be constructed on vacant blocks between Edward St and Ivory St, with vehicle access provided from the Bunya Highway.

New plans have been revealed for the approved service station for Wondai. Image: SBRC.

New plans have been revealed for the approved service station for Wondai. Image: SBRC.

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Once completed, it will be Wondai’s third fuel option, joining Dan’s Diner on Haly St and the unmanned United Petroleum bowser on East St.

The proposed amendments include reducing the gross floor area of the service station’s shop from 300m² to 270m², lowering the shop roof height from 5.2m to 5.05m, enlarging the bin enclosure with new fencing and a roof, and adding two pylon signs along with illuminated signage on the building’s fascia.

New plans have been revealed for the approved service station for Wondai. Image: SBRC.

New plans have been revealed for the approved service station for Wondai. Image: SBRC.

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Councillor Heath Sander raised concerns during the meeting about whether the illuminated signage might affect nearby residents, noting the proximity of houses to the service station.

“I’m aware where the building’s going to be, and there are houses opposite,” Mr Sander said.

“If there’s illuminated signage there, is it going to be lit up 24 hours a day and cause further distress to people in close proximity?” he asked.

In response, councillor Jane Erkens downplayed the potential issue, arguing such concerns could stifle the region’s growth.

“Honestly, if we are going to take into consideration every light that goes into people’s windows, we’re really holding our community back. I don’t think it’s much of an inconvenience to promote additional growth of our region,” she said.

Councillor Ros Heit added that the site was on the outskirts of town and mostly surrounded by businesses.

“There’s one house opposite, and all the rest are actually businesses … I don’t believe it’s right in the middle of a residential area,” Ms Heit said.

A council officer further noted the illuminated signage was part of the original application and complied with Australian standard requirements.

Mr Sander, satisfied with the responses, joined his colleagues in a unanimous vote to approve the minor changes to the project.

The construction start date for the service station has yet to be announced.

Originally published as New Bunya Highway service station changes approved by council