What’s happening?
Owners Sentinel Property Group have confirmed ASX-listed managers Collins Foods Limited will close the KFC store at Moranbah Fair Shopping Centre in central Queensland.
Sentinel CEO Warren Ebert said the decision was disappointing for both the shopping centre and the local community.
He said the KFC store had been a strong performer and consistently supported by residents.
“This decision to close the drive-through KFC at Moranbah Fair is hard to fathom because the store has always been well supported by the community,” Mr Ebert said.
Why it matters
Moranbah Fair is a key piece of social infrastructure for the coal mining region.
The closure removes a popular and well-used food outlet from a town with limited retail choice.
Mr Ebert said the decision raised concerns about how regional communities are affected by national operators.
“This is a blow to the town and country people, and we hope it’s not a case of poor management by Collins Foods or a corporate decision that is purely profit-driven,” he said.
Local impact
Moranbah plays a central role in the Isaac Region, with a growing economy linked to mining and agriculture.
Moranbah Fair services both local residents and workers from surrounding areas.
“Moranbah is a key town in the Isaac Region in central Queensland with a growing economy associated with essential commodities such as mining and agriculture, and Moranbah Fair in the only full-line supermarket within 160km,” he said.
The loss of a high-traffic tenant is expected to be felt by the community that relies on the centre for everyday services.
By the numbers
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Sentinel purchased Moranbah Fair Shopping Centre in 2021 for $28 million, marking a significant investment in the region.
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The shopping centre spans 7,058 square metres and includes the freestanding KFC pad site.
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The centre is supported by 16 specialty shops, including Telstra, The Reject Shop, TSG, Priceline Pharmacy and Anglo American.
Zoom in
Sentinel has described Moranbah Fair as an important facility in a strong-performing regional area.
The group has continued to invest heavily in regional Queensland assets.
Zoom out
Sentinel’s broader portfolio includes the market-dominant Caneland Central shopping centre in Mackay.
That centre was purchased for $280 million in 2023, highlighting the group’s focus on large regional hubs.
What to look for next
Confirmation of the KFC store’s closing date has not yet been determined.
