By Mitch Gaynor
MALENY businesses are urging locals and school holiday visitors to keep supporting the town’s retailers as traders prepare for an urgent meeting over the impacts of the Maple Street streetscape works.
Maleny Commerce president David said the message from businesses was simple: Maleny remained open for business despite the disruption caused by construction.
“We need locals to continue to support the retailers and Maleny is open for business,” he said.
He said Sunshine Coast Council had become more responsive following concerns raised by the chamber, with council officers visiting retailers, seeking feedback and offering support.
Council has also reopened two lanes along Maple Street for the school holidays and is considering further changes to the construction program where they can reduce the impact on businesses without extending the overall project. “Some retailers are obviously struggling but hopefully we can help get them through a difficult period,” David said.
Maleny Commerce will now bring traders together at the RSL Hall on Monday, September 28, to agree on a coordinated response and determine what further practical assistance is needed. The meeting follows reports from some businesses of turnover falling between 40 and 90 per cent since major traffic changes began.
Council has ruled out financial compensation, rate relief or direct financial assistance, leaving the chamber focused on non-financial support, marketing and measures to maintain access and trade.
Funding has been confirmed for streetscape-related business support, marketing and activities, although the amount has not been disclosed.
Businesses will be asked how that funding should be used, with options including advertising, parking and pedestrian-access information, signage, street activities and local media promotion.
The meeting will also establish a Maleny Business Advisory Group, with teams focused on marketing, activations and advocacy.
The advocacy group would track construction impacts, access problems, short-notice changes, sales losses and urgent hardship cases, while pushing for clearer information on construction sequencing, future road closures, Christmas arrangements and completion dates.
Other proposals include targeted night or extended-hour works through the most disruptive sections and a blanket trading permit allowing businesses to make greater use of the street during construction.
The meeting at the Maleny RSL is at 3pm for a 3.30 start.