$1.2M Bridport fuel depot supported

• A concept drawing of the proposed service station, self-storage facility, and aircraft hangars by S Group.

September 21, 2022

By Daisy Baker

Dorset Council has unanimously supported a $1.2 million development for 1954 Bridport Road, next to Flinders Island Aviation, including a 24-hour unattended petrol station, aircraft hangars and storage units.

At Monday night’s meeting, councillors voted in favour of rezoning the land from Rural Living Zone to the Rural Resource Zone, and subdividing one lot into two lots to make way for self-storage compartments, ancillary caretakers residence, four aircraft hangars, a service station and associated signage.

The proposal includes two new access points from Bridport Road and an additional 38 car parking spaces.

It’s understood there are future plans for a carwash at the rear of the service station.

The proposal has been submitted by Samell Tas Pty Ltd, of which Bridport local David Krushka is the director.

The motion was unanimously supported, with the majority of Councillors commending the proposal’s benefit to the community.

Councillor Dale Jessup said the proposal was consistent with Council’s Strategic Plan and made commercial use of underutilised land in Bridport, which he noted was not prime agricultural land.

“It’s not going to take away from existing businesses, there has been demand for 24-hour fuel in Bridport for a very long time. There’s certainly big demand for extra hangars down there,” Councillor Jerrod Nichols added.

Meanwhile, councillor Jan Hughes said that the long-term plan to construct a carwash was a creative use of the stormwater and static water supply.

“It’s certainly improving the amenities of Bridport for car and airline users,” she said.

“The ongoing investment in our community is really positive.”

The proposal will now be referred to the Tasmanian Planning Commission for a decision, following a 28-day public exhibition period, during which representations can be submitted.