A town deprived: Palmwoods has waited 15 years for a supermarket
An impression of the proposed Palmwoods Coles Supermarket.
Letter to the Editor …
I could write an essay on the topic of the fors-and-againsts of having a large supermarket in Palmwoods as a resident of 22 years, and 33 years on the Sunshine Coast.
What really disgusts me the most is how a Council can decide the future of Palmwoods based on a single assessment report and the urging of Cr Winston Johnston to refuse the application. All but one councillor voted ‘no’. And that one councillor had the decency to look at all aspects, including the alternative for this site: to build another massive housing development right on the doorstep of our village (which,, by the way was refused by Council some 12 years ago).
Did the no voting councillors take the time, have the inclination or individual prowess to look at the entire picture including history, developments, industry and most importantly what the majority of residents wanted?
We are traditionally a timber logging, fruit farming and early rail hub for the Coast. Well, all that is gone. Our historic buildings are but few now and centred around Little Main Street. The rest is development. That's right development!
Our Council over the years have changed our 'village' to be surrounded by new housing estates. At last official Census 2021 count the population was 6357. Wow! To give you an idea and comparison Cr Johnston, Maleny’s population was 3959 and Nambour’s 12,145. Interesting stats to say the least!
We have been deprived of a larger supermarket for 15 years and all due to a Council who wanted to keep our 'village and historic character' intact. What hypocrites.
Thankyou Councillor Dixon for having the strength of character to challenge Cr Johnston's 'pied piper' approach to voting when assessing DA applications in another Council Division.
As a ratepayer, I just ask for a fair go by all councillors to have some guts, determination and accountability to make decisions based on your own research. I can deal with that and accept an outcome. But I don't see this on this occasion.
– Beverley McMullin, Palmwoods