Eumundi Voice - Issue 96, 27 July 2024

Construction of the long awaited $3.1M Eumundi streetscape upgrade is set to commence in August this year. Locals, business owners and community representatives met at The Imperial Hotel Eumundi on 12 June with SCC project team members who presented the construction plans. The project team outlined the three focus areas of construction, planned timing of each stage, and how local residents and business owners may be impacted.

Stage 1 of the project has been split into two zones – Zone A (Etheridge St) and Zone B

(Memorial Dr at Bank Arcade). Construction of Stage 1 will run from August 2024 until February 2025. The project team is currently considering the sequence of works for Stage 1 based on feedback received at the construction information evening. Updates will be shared over the coming weeks after liaison with adjacent businesses, community groups and residents.

Stage 2 located at Lonergan Lane is subject to further investigation and funding. Construction timing has not been finalised but is expected to commence in early 2025.

Most of the construction is expected to take place during the day from Monday to Friday 6am-6pm. However, some night works may also occur which are expected to take place Sunday and Thursday nights 6pm6am. The project team will advise of night works in advance.

The Memorial Drive Streetscape project has been in the spotlight since community engagement began in 2020. The contentious issues of the plan have been the proposed crossings/street narrowing, loss of car parking, the ‘generic look’ of the original plans, heritage concerns around the ‘old dray turning circle’ and the lack of footpath refurbishment.

Following community consultation council has addressed some of these concerns. The plans have been upgraded to incorporate the ‘old dray turning circle’ into the design and pavement treatment will feature the different species of trees used in the Eumundi sawmill with reference to their original Kabi Kabi names. The area will also contain a seating area with customdesigned furniture unique to this project. Plans were also modified to include footpath refurbishment throughout the proposed works.

The presentation was followed by a robust question and answer session with the project team. Concerns raised were primarily from business and stall owners, about loss of carparking during construction, possible road closures or diversions, the timing of the staged works, the impact to businesses over the busy Christmas period and the impact of the Lonergan Lane pedestrian link to stall holders.

The project team stressed that council priorities are to ensure continuous engagement between stakeholders and the construction team. Ryan Butler, Manager of Civil Projects for SCC said, “The staging of works is to ensure that there will be minimal noise and dust, that traffic flow will be maintained and that businesses will remain accessible and open for trade.

“We are willing to work with businesses and locals to understand the challenges that are unique to Eumundi.”

Council representatives indicated they are currently investigating the feasibility of the council carpark being accessed on non-market days to improve parking options for business owners and customers. Council workers will have their own temporary fenced area away from Memorial Dr for contractor parking to minimise on-street parking during construction. Traffic flow along Memorial Dr will be maintained throughout construction with Etheridge St becoming left-turn only during construction. SCC will continue to support Eumundi businesses with campaigns such as the Buy Local initiative that encourage consumers to support local businesses.

Businesses with an existing footpath trading permit that will be impacted during construction will be provided with assistance to relocate to allow trade to continue. If no alternative is available rental fees will not be charged during the period of impact.

It is vital that everyone continues to support our local Eumundi businesses during the construction phase of the streetscape upgrade.

For further information about the previous community engagement process visit: t.ly/4kvA3.

To receive updates visit: t.ly/U9P8u or if you have a question for the project team email: eumundistreetscape@sunshinecoast.qld.gov. au.