15. APP J. Economic Needs Report

7 CONCLUSIONS

This section of the report presents the main conclusions from the analysis. The following considerations have
been evaluated:
    •    Retail demand issues;
    •    Retail supply (competition) issues;
    •    Potential impact on existing retailers; and
    •    Local considerations.


7.1 RETAIL DEMAND ISSUES
The proposed service station and attached convenience retailing would be located in an area that is expected to
experience ongoing population growth. The Trade Area is forecast to grow moderately between now and 2031,
which will result in increased demand for retail services in the area.
There is no doubt that the provision of a local convenience centre generally at the location described would
contribute to the enhanced convenience and amenity of current residents and future local residents as well as
surrounding businesses and workers. The estimates provided above would suggest that the workers in the nearby
industrial and commercial precinct would contribute almost $20m in expenditure on groceries and fast foods
alone.


7.2 RETAIL SUPPLY ISSUES
A local population can and should be served by conveniently located retail services. The opportunity to provide
such services within a reasonable walking distance from the majority of residents and workers is consistent with
contemporary triple-bottom line considerations that emphasise the economic, social and environmental benefits
of promoting improved pedestrianisation of neighbourhoods.
A range of retail offers serves Noosaville residents, ranging in size and nature. Two supermarket anchored major
centres have been identified as meeting the core grocery and other retailing needs of the area’s residents. The
proposed development is, however, of an entirely different order (both qualitatively and quantitatively) from the
established major retailer-anchored centres. Indeed, the service station anchored convenience offer could be
seen as something of a modern twist on the old corner store; today’s consumers are increasingly accustomed to
being able to use a service station on a 24/7 basis as a corner store, topping up on convenience groceries and
other household items on a casual, unstructured basis.
Furthermore, given the location of the proposed development it is well positioned to service the surrounding
industrial and commercial precinct’s workers. A recent site inspection identified three two fast food outlets within
the industrial/commercial precinct; one required workers to cross the busy Eumundi-Noosa Road to access while
the other was located quite some way away. Providing precinct workers with choice and quality options for
lunches is a desirable social outcome. The opportunity to enjoy a breakfast or lunch venue with a reasonable
standard of fit out and air conditioning has much to commend it.




PAGE 28 of 28         [NOOSAVILLE-SS-ECON-041214-V1.3F.DOCX]