Cooroy Service Station EIA 21_06_16

6.0 NEED ASSESSMENT
It is Urban Economics’s opinion that there is a strong and compelling need for the proposed
service station and that the proposed development would fill a much needed gap in the provision
of services not only for the Noosa Hinterland community, but also the commuting public and
motorists passing through the Region. The following supports this view:

   a) There is some 60km driving distance between highway fuel retailing. The proposed fuel
      retailing facility would improve convenience and accessibility for Bruce Highway
      motorists.

   b) The high levels of vehicle ownership and commuting nature of the local working
      population, suggests a strong propensity for demand for fuel retailing facilities and auto
      services. The proposed fuel retailing service centre would improve access and
      convenience for motorists and the commuting needs of Trade Area households.

   c) The proposed development would reduce travel times and distances for local residents
      and commuters to access fuel retailing. The proposed development would provide a more
      centralised and convenient service station for motorists and commuting Trade Area
      residents.

   d) There is a gap in the provision of fuel retailing facilities in Cooroy, with existing facilities
      limited by brand (BP) and choice in fuel products such as ethanol based fuel. With both
      existing facilities located on the eastern side of the railway line, and some access
      challenges for these service stations, there is a reduced perception of convenience and
      accessibility. The proposed service station would provide improved convenience and
      accessibility to fuel retailing for not only resident motorists, but also for travellers passing
      through Cooroy, which would otherwise not divert to access facilities within the Business
      Centre.

   e) Ongoing growth in vehicle ownership within the Trade Area will generate increasing
      vehicle consumption of fuel and the need for accessible and convenient fuel retailing
      facilities to cater for Catchment Area motorists. Almost 1,000 additional motor vehicles
      are projected within the Trade Area between 2016 and 2026. Similarly, traffic utilising
      the M1 beyond the Myall St interchange and along Myall Street is projected to increase
      by approximately 2.2% per annum between 2016 and 2026, furthering the need for
      accessible and convenient facilities for motorists.

   f) Neither of the existing BP service stations in Cooroy offer biofuels and may require
      significant upgrades or changed business practices to meet the requirements of the
      mandate; limiting choice to residents and motorists. The proposed development would
      offer a modern operation including biofuel and other options, better meeting the needs
      and choices of consumers.

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