Plans for Mobil X-Convenience service station on NWCH in Wonthella spark community backlash

Geraldton’s Mayor has defended the approval of a new 24/7 service station on a highway in between two existing petrol retailers amid a wave of community criticism. The Mobil X-Convenience branded service station has been approved for development on North West Coastal Highway in Wonthella, on the corner of Place road, next to the Dominos Pizza restaurant on the site of the former Subway Restaurant and across from Bunnings Warehouse. The block, which used to be the old Chicken Treat site, is located on the opposite corner of a BP service station and just over 1km away from a Shell service station. At a meeting of the Regional Joint Development Assessment Panel last month, three DAP members were joined by City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn, Cr Bob Hall and non-voting City officers Neraida Browne, Phil Melling and Paul Devcic. News of the proposal was received poorly on a Geraldton online public forum, with members of the community saying another petrol station wasn’t needed and it would create congestion in the area. “Like we need another one. How about cleaning up town and bringing some decent business to town,” Yvonne Jupp wrote. “Why put it there? That's a s... corner to get out off, plus the BP is right there, (it would) be better out near Red Rooster where there isn't a servo,” commented Karlina Piggford. “That's going to make new set of road hazards and accidents,” Diane Baldwin added. Mr Van Styn defended the decision, saying he was satisfied the road would be safe after the construction. “The zoning that applies to highway allows service stations, and subject to making entrance and exists as safe as possible it’s a requirement to be approved, we cannot overturn an existing local planning scheme. The number of service stations or oppositions are not valid grounds for considering non-approval of a business. “The City prides itself on being open for business and investment, no matter what form that will take, and ultimately drives towards more jobs for the community. Anybody who wishes to open a particular business would be encouraged to do so and helped by the City.” Mr Van Styn said the additional petrol station would have the potential to drive the cost of fuel in the city down through competition. In its planning submission, representatives of the owners of the business investment company Chantica Midwest Pty Ltd, said the new retailer would provide essential, uninterrupted fuel and convenience retailing facilities to the local community and patrons travelling along the surrounding road network 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The application was approved with a number of amendments, including a road safety audit needing to be taken out to confirm there are no significant traffic safety issues with the proposed design, and building permits must be approved before construction can start. Conditions have also been placed on the plan to ensure the left hand entrance to the site from Place Road and left hand exit is the only traffic directions for fuel tankers to keep the traffic safe.