Edgeroi petrol station plans

Edgeroi could gain access to essential items, including petrol, with a development application lodged to construct a service centre on the Newell Highway.

The proponent, Edgeroi Energy, seeks to redevelop the existing service station site in the village.

As part of the development plans, the existing structures would be demolished and a new service station facility constructed.

It would boast a service station, a restaurant and facilities for truck drivers as well as car parking and landscaping.

“This proposal will create employment and new business opportunities within the village of Edgeroi and its surrounds during the construction and operational phases,” the development application states.

The former Edgeroi service station and post office closed several years ago, with initial plans to redevelop the site. However, these plans did not come to fruition.

As a result of the closure of the service station, the site has been used for various purposes, other than a fuel station and shop.

The site is currently being utilised for storage of a range of products for upgrade work on the Newell Highway. It has also been used to store materials for the Inland Rail project.

Plans state the developer intends to operate the service station on a 24/7 basis to provide for truck operators using the Newell Highway as well as drivers during grain harvest periods, with somewhere to obtain food and rest.

A concept layout of a proposed highway service centre at Edgeroi.

“This is necessary on the basis of requirements for mainly interstate truck drivers to maintain their rest periods,” the application states.

Accommodation would not be provided at the site.

The developer also anticipates the site will require the equivalent of 10 or more full-time staff to operate the station.

Plans allow for a 48-seat restaurant area as well as space to sell basic grocery items for travellers and local residents.

A dedicated trucker’s area would include a lounge and shower facilities.

Plans also state that modification to the intersection of the Newell Highway and Queen Street North would be recommended to allow for the safe movement of vehicles.

“Modifications would be minor, including road widening and alignment changes to ensure two-way traffic flows on Queen Street.”

On-site car parking would cater for 63 vehcles, including 11 heavy vehicle parking spaces.

The proposal also includes six light vehicle refuelling spaces, five spaces at the high flow heavy vehicle fuel pumps and two accessible spaces. Parking areas also allow for car and trailers as well as single vehicles.