By Sonia Isaacs
SUNSHINE Coast Council has rejected calls for financial compensation for Maleny businesses reporting heavy losses during the streetscape works, despite some traders claiming turnover has fallen by as much as 90 per cent.
Following GC&M News’ September 8 report detailing the impact of traffic diversions, reduced parking and congestion, Council was asked whether it would consider compensation, rate or fee relief, or other direct financial support for affected traders.
A Council spokesperson confirmed no compensation would be offered.
“Council appreciates local businesses’ support of the project and recognises that any construction activity has an impact on our community,” the spokesperson said. “Council has a responsibility to provide essential public infrastructure upgrades throughout the Sunshine Coast and is not in a position to provide financial compensation to businesses who may be impacted with works of this nature.”
Council instead pointed businesses towards existing support programs and information available through the project website.
It said the project team had been in regular contact with traders and Maleny Commerce and had explored ways to reduce disruption where safe and practical. Council did not announce a dedicated advertising or “shop local” campaign to help offset the impact of the works, instead urging residents and visitors to continue supporting Maleny businesses, which remain open and accessible during construction.
The response comes after traders told GC&M News they had cut casual staff hours and suffered significant falls in customer numbers since the westbound lane of Maple Street closed on August 31.
Brush Turkey Enterprises’ Spencer Shaw said the disruption represented the biggest challenge Maleny’s business community had faced since COVID-19 and called on Council to reconsider how the project was being managed.
“Given the negative impacts to the trade, reputation and mental health of Maleny businesses by the Maleny streetscaping works, we need to see Council take on board the constructive feedback from the business community and reassess how this major overhaul of our town is being planned and communicated,” he said.
Mr Shaw called for improved communication, greater empathy and practical assistance for businesses navigating the months of construction still ahead. Despite the disruption, he stressed Maleny remained open for business and urged residents and visitors to support local traders.
“There’s never been a more important time to buy local ourselves and help visitors to Maleny to find their way around town and access our businesses,” he said. “At the heart of every good town are its small businesses. Live, Love, Buy Maleny.”
