Maple Street will lose key parking facilities as part of Maleny Streetscape project
By Kirra Livingstone
SUNSHINE Coast Council says the removal of several car parking spaces on Maple Street is aimed at improving pedestrian safety despite concerns from retailers that reduced parking could deter customers and jeopardise the viability of some businesses.
Maleny Chamber of Commerce president Spencer Shaw said a shortage of parking has long plagued the town, and he urged the council to provide offset parking nearby.
“It’s understandable that spaces will be lost to allow for streetscaping, but adequate parking remains a critical issue for Maleny,” he said.
“On one hand, we’re enjoying increased tourism thanks to population growth in south-east Queensland, our status as an international destination and stronger promotion.
“On the other, there’s been minimal investment in the infrastructure needed to support this growth for both tourists and residents.”
Mr Shaw acknowledged that the council consulted on the overall design, but said genuine community co-design was lacking.
“While Sunshine Coast Council presented proposed designs for approval, there was no meaningful engagement on placemaking with the Maleny community—a real missed opportunity,” he said.
The chamber president added that, in the long term, the project’s impact could be neutral, but cautioned that the construction phase might prove pivotal for some businesses on Maple Street.
“Visitors come for the views, rural charm, creative spaces and cafés,” he said.
“We expect only short-term disruptions next year, but given how finely balanced hospitality and tourism operations can be between success and struggle, these impacts must be managed sensitively.”
A council spokesperson said the car parks had to be removed in order to ensure pedestrian safety.
“The proposed design places strong emphasis on pedestrian safety, including upgrades to two existing crossings and the addition of two new crossings,” they said.
These crossings require space for safe pathway approaches and associated infrastructure, such as ramps, which ensure visibility and meet accessibility standards.”
The spokesperson could not yet specify how many spaces would be lost, pending completion of detailed design documentation.
“Where possible, new parking opportunities will be created on surrounding streets to offset these changes,” they added.
Council has indicated it will review parking provisions across the hinterland area in response to community feedback and usage patterns.
Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2026 and is expected to take around six months.