After 22 years at the helm, David Clough, the long-time owner of Shell Pineview Service Station, is retiring tomorrow, marking the end of an era for the Scottsdale community. At 77, Clough says the time has come for him to step away from the business that has been a central part of his life for over two decades.
“It’s been a great run, but it’s a big job, and I can’t do it forever. It’s really something for the younger generation with the long hours and early starts,” Clough reflected.
The station, now set for a significant transformation, has been purchased by Tas Petroleum, with General Manager Nathan Thurlow confirming the acquisition and revealing plans to invest nearly $1 million in upgrades over the coming months.
While the news of the change surprised many in the community, local businessmen Matt Tait and Brad Hill had shown interest in buying the business and keeping it operating in its current form. However, a deal was not reached.
Tait expressed concerns about the shift, particularly for the dedicated staff who have served the station for 20 years. “We went in with the intention of keeping things as they were, but it just didn’t feel right after we looked closer. Our main worry was for the staff, who are so valued by the community, especially for their assistance with fueling services for those who need help,” Tait said. “It’s a bit sad to see such a community-oriented service feel like it’s being replaced by something larger and less personal.”
Despite these concerns, Thurlow assured the community that while there will be changes, some of the key services, like driveway assistance, will remain in place. “We’re going to be upgrading and improving the site,” he said. “We’re still finalising details, but we plan to offer driveway service, although not for as many hours as before. We’re looking at having staff available between 10 am and 4 pm, but it’s still being worked out.”
Thurlow emphasised that if Tas Petroleum hadn’t stepped in, a larger oil company like United or BP likely would have, which could have led to even fewer personal services. “We want to maintain a connection with the community, and this acquisition continues our commitment to the area,” he said. Tas Petroleum, a Tasmanian-owned company, already supplies fuel to most of the region’s farmers and service stations.
Looking ahead, Tas Petroleum plans to expand its presence, with a 24-hour card-only station in Bridport also in the works. With 35 sites across the state, the company is poised to continue playing a key role in Tasmania’s fuel supply chain.
As the community adjusts to these changes, Clough’s departure marks a bittersweet moment for many, signalling both an end and a new beginning for the beloved local service station.
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