Town's first service station officially approved

A SERVICE station and food outlet is coming to Westbrook, with the project passing through the Toowoomba Regional Council’s development approval process today.

A SERVICE station and food outlet is coming to Westbrook, with the project passing through the Toowoomba Regional Council's development approval process today.

Owner of the Spar Express Westbrook Gordon Hodnett objected to the application, saying it was 10 years too late for the region.

Westbrook does not currently have a service station to compete with the proposed development.

"When I speak to the residents, they have their own set lines of obtaining fuel because most are tradies or workers with big trucks," he said.

Design plans for the service station/fast food restaurant in Westbrook. Picture: Contributed

He said at most it would be used as a convenience and not as a main point of fuel access.

"I don't see it as viable and it could come unstuck quickly," he said.

Hallmark Solutions CEO Geoff Kath said he disagreed with that assumption.

He said the company was still "resolving all of the potential tenants" for the site. 

"It's much needed, there's no fuel outlet at the moment that provides for a community need, and it's a growing community," he said.

"We saw from the response when the application was initially lodged… there was a need for it, and it was embraced very well by the community, it was something they sought."

The approval was motioned by Cr Sommerfield and seconded by Cr Glasheen.

Newly re-elected councillor Joe Ramia and Deputy Mayor Carol Taylor both objected to the proposal.

Cr Taylor said she was concerned the service station would bring heavy vehicles into the area, as well as create noise and unwanted disturbances to the neighbouring property.

A suggestion to chain the entryways to the premises when it was not open was suggested.

Cr Ramia said he would have liked more information about the development before it went before council and acknowledged the fear of businesses in the region that it could impact economically.

"There may be some initial pain to businesses but I think in about five to ten years you will find it all even out," he said.

The site is to be built on Main St, Westbrook.

Originally published as Town's first service station officially approved