COMMUNITY BANK FOR BEERWAH

THE new railway carpark at Landsborough may be closer than we thought aft er an announcement by Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt on the imminent start of the project.

Aft er GC&M News reported that the fi rst stages in the Beerburrum to Nambour railway upgrade would include the new 300-carpark facility on the eastern side of the railway line, Mr Hunt was pleased to relay that, in fact, early works are just around the corner.

“Just this month we’ve seen demolition and vegetation removal begin at Landsborough, which will be home to a new 300-space park ‘n’ ride facility,” Mr Hunt said.

“Pre-construction activities on the $550.8 million Beerburrum to Nambour Rail upgrade (B2N) are now under way, with early construction on stage one of the project (between Beerburrum and Beerwah) expected to begin early 2022, with major construction to follow.”

The area is currently surrounded by barrier fencing, with several buildings earmarked for demolition and some vegetation to be removed, which will take up to six weeks to complete.

During this work, fauna spotters will be on-hand to make sure any wildlife is looked aft er.

A Department of Transport and Main Roads construction notice shows that the demolition and clearing works will occur Monday-Saturday from 6am6pm and that some noise and dust could be created at times.

The jointly funded project will deliver benefi ts to both road and rail users through track duplication and road improvements, increasing the frequency of train services on the Sunshine Coast and alleviating pressure on the Bruce Highway.

“My community can look forward to better access to rail services, more park ‘n’ ride facilities and station improvements on the North Coast line by 2025, weather and construction conditions permitting,” Mr Hunt said.

More information is available at www.tmr.qld.gov. au/projects/beerburrum-to-nambour-rail-upgradestage-1

Work area for the new Landsborough carpark By Lea Parkes

IN the past few years, the local banking landscape has changed signifi cantly across the hinterland. With the closing of fi ve bank branches, including both the ANZ and Suncorp branches at Beerwah and Maleny as well as the shutting down of Westpac at Beerwah, some locals have become frustrated by the lack of choice and reduced in-person banking services available in our communities.

Local businessperson and former Glasshouse Country Chamber of Commerce president Ursula Starkovsky has decided the time is right for the area to establish its own community bank and is calling on others to get involved with the process.

Ursula has been investigating how to establish a Heritage Bank community branch in one of our local townships.

First, she needs to get four or fi ve interested individuals willing to become part of a steering group to help establish the project and gauge the viability of establishing a community branch. If this process is successful, then a public company is formed and registered, and capital of about $500,000 would need to be raised to fund the community’s share in the venture.

Investors would be able to invest a minimum of $100 to a maximum of $10,000.

Ursula is confi dent that a community bank would be enthusiastically supported by our local community, not just because it would provide another local banking option but because of the additional community benefi t via the contribution of profi ts back into community groups and organisations.

If you would be interested in getting involved contact Ursula on 0459 995 979 or email starkov@bigpond.com

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