Narooma Shell: Knockdown and rebuild planned for service station

The Shell Service Station on the flat in Narooma has applied to demolish the existing building on the Princes Highway and replace it with a revamped service station and convenience store with a first-floor manager's residence.

The service station will remain branded as a 'Shell' after the rebuild.

According to paperwork lodged with the DA, there is a potential issue with zoning, as the proposed use of 'service station' is prohibited in R3 Medium Density Residential zone according to the Eurobodalla Local Environmental Plan 2012.

However, a planner from Metro Planning Services stated the site benefits from "existing use rights" under the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979, and is permissible with consent from the council.

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A spokesman for Narooma Shell said that while all the fuel equipment is brand new, the building needed some attention.

"We're hoping to put a bit of money into it infrastructure wise and update it for the locals," he said.

"If we build a new facility we'll be able to do a few more things in the building, and provide more services to the community.

"For example, we don't have an automatic door at the moment. Nobody has said anything, but we can see that it's a bit of a hassle.

"Hopefully the planned upgrades will attract more people."

The spokesman said the manager's residence was also a new planned addition.

"When I shifted down to Narooma to work here, I found it very hard to find a place to live," the spokesman said.

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"Having a residence will make it easier for anyone, even locals, to both live and work here."

The Narooma Shell became an important cog during the black summer bushfires as store manager Zeta Maher and her daughter Grace kept the service station open throughout the crisis.

In a post made on social media in January last year, former store owner Surendra Sharma said the pair went "above and beyond to serve our community".

Mr Sharma said that in spite of "some hurdles" including power outages, a crashed EFTPOS system, and fuel shortages, the workers did their community proud.

During the crises, the Shell Service Station was provided with a generator by the council, and Club Narooma provided all staff and helpers food as they served the community.