Eumundi Voice - Issue 99, 8 August 2024

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Construction on Sunshine Coast Council’s (SCC) Eumundi Streetscape Project along Memorial Dr started on 5 August, following extensive community input over the past 4 years.

Main street traders and stall holders are keen to remind customers that they are still open for business, to meet the needs of thousands of customers drawn to their friendly local businesses and weekly markets.

Recognising the importance of keeping the main street and markets open for business, council has planned works to be staged in zones to minimise disruption and ensure efficient traffic flow along Memorial Dr.

Minimising parking congestion is also a priority. An agreement between council and Experience Eumundi – the not-for-profit organisation which manages market car parking – will now allow free temporary parking on non-market days at the upper car park area next to the Eumundi Amphitheatre. It will be available from 6am-6pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The car park will revert to usual parking arrangements on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays with the boom gates in operation. This will allow customers and businesses an alternative to parking on Memorial Dr, with a short walk through the market terraces to main street businesses. Car park access is from Napier Rd.

Experience Eumundi chairperson Louise Formosa said, “It is very exciting that we have been able to negotiate this outcome for customers and business owners and we are hopeful that it will align with the commencement of the streetscaping works.”

The council construction team has located its vehicle depot beside the Goodstart Early Learning centre with access via Napier Rd.

Construction of the Bank Arcade zone starting in August will continue until October 2024. It will deliver a new raised pedestrian crossing on Memorial Dr, upgraded footpath, lighting, landscaping and seating areas amongst other improvements.

Works will then switch to the Etheridge St zone from October, to construct a similar raised pedestrian crossing with outdoor seating, leafy shaded areas, upgraded footpaths, lighting, way-finding signage, and a bullock-turning circle heritage interpretation.

There will be a construction break over the peak December to January trading period. Works are expected to be completed by February 2025, weather dependent.

SCC Div 10 Cr David Law said, “The upgrades along Memorial Dr will help the street operate safely and efficiently and enhance the look and experience of the bustling town while improving accessibility for everyone.”

SCC has budgeted $3.3M in this year’s budget to deliver the project, in partnership with the Qld Government which is contributing $500,000 through the SE Qld Community Stimulus Program.

Stage 2 works are subject to further technical investigations and with a start date anticipated in early 2025. Council will keep our community informed as this stage is finalised.

More information visit: t.ly/2e-pF.