Brett Robb and Leonie Shanahan. Image Frank Wilkie.

Brett Robb, from Roundabout Coffee and Fuel at Noosaville has a vision. One where the local community works together to reduce their greenhouse impacts by helping to educate scores of local school children in growing healthy, sustainable food.

He has that typical, friendly and enthusiastic spark in his eyes, often found in those with great ideas. The coffee machine gurgles as it makes the next brew. The smell is just too tempting.

“What I want to do is change community expectations. Imagine if one small local business could find a way to fund the education of over 700 local school children on how to live sustainably,” he says, as he watches the coffee drip into the cup.

“What could we achieve if we all co-operate and combine our efforts?”

This is not the usual conversation you get from your local service-station operator. The price of fuel or the world’s most talked about topic, weather, usually dominates the discussion as you pay for a product that is quickly becoming something of a luxury. It’s Brett’s background as a former waste and recycling manger for Noosa Shire that provides a clue.

“It became clear to me, during my role as waste and recycling manager, that our current practices of carrying out our daily lives are not sustainable. I became aware that our current way of living is robbing future generations of the quality of life they deserve,”  he says, as he hands me the coffee.

The father of four understands that many people are similarly concerned for the future. As transport is one of the major contributors to climate change and is already becoming threatened by peak oil, Brett realised that most people cannot afford the more environmentally-friendly hybrid cars, but they still want to do something to reduce their impacts. Trained as a diesel fitter, Brett says, “I’m used to building things to fix problems. You learn to become more innovative.” The sign out the front shows just how innovative his business is.

A large display board shows how much money was donated to the local Edible Gardens project last month. Six hundred and twenty-two dollars was raised through a carbon-offset scheme which uses 2 cents per litre of fuel sold. In what would have to be one of the most transparent service stations around, the sign displays the cost of fuel to the business, the carbon offset of 2 cents and how that offset is used.

“Two cents, he says, almost offsets the carbon, at the point of sale”. But it’s not only greenhouse conscious motorists who are benefiting.

Edible School Gardens co-ordinator and local permaculturalist Leonie Shanahan, understands the importance of Brett’s idea.

“Without Brett, the permaculture garden program would not be happening,” said Ms Shanahan. But like many good ideas the Fuel for Schools program needs more help from local businesses.

“At the moment, the children are very aware of the waste produced at school and therefore we are looking for donations of compost bins that we can use for our food scraps. Not just for Tewantin school, but other schools and community gardens as well. There are many schools that are keen to be part of the permaculture gardens program,” she said.

I place the now empty coffee cup back on the counter. As I prepare to leave I wanted to ask one final question about the type of feedback Brett has received from his customers. Before I can ask, a young woman, in her thirties, pays for her fuel and comments how great Brett’s initiative is. It’s her first time here to fill up the fuel tank. “I’ll be back,” she says with a smile.

It appears that his idea is not only helping local children understand a healthier way of living, but he is tapping into the local community spirit and in doing so, he is set to have a growing base of customers. Perhaps it’s time for other businesses to join in.