All positions on the Woombye Community and Business Association were renominated and elected unopposed at the recent AGM at Woombye Bowls Club.

Re-elected President Debbie Kimber said the WCBA now boasted 115 members having added an extra 42 this year.

She mentioned Council would soon release plans for the Blackall Street streetscape project. A major issue were the concerns of residents about a proposed telecommunications tower located near residents and close to the center of town. 

She said the WCBA and the community agreed the location of the tower was inappropriate and “there has been a very strong community reaction to this”. A submission opposing the proposal was prepared by Vice President Grant Palethorpe. 

Members of the public signed 330 submissions over a 7 day period to oppose the 40 metre tower with 73 percent of those from Woombye’s township. 

The submission objects on several grounds including inappropriate use in a town center, visual amenity, heritage and safety. Mr Palethorpe expected a decision from Council mid to late January. He said the community had provided strong grounds upon which Council should reject the proposal. 

Looking to the future, Ms Kimber said next year she wanted the WCBA to focus on pushing for more  connectivity for pedestrians and bike riders and would be advocating for more walk-bike paths from Woombye to the Big Pineapple and Maroochydore. 

“We should be able to walk or cycle to the Big Pineapple and Maroochydore from Woombye,” she said. “And then the next stage would be to the Uni.”

She said the new WCBA website,  www.woombye.com.au, was outstanding and paid tribute to Vice president Grant Palethorpe for the work he had done.

She said Social Media Coordinator Daniella Possee had done an excellent job keeping people informed through social channels with reach increasing year on year. 

Ms Kimber also paid tribute to Narelle Kither from Woombye Rural Supplies who handled ticket sales and refunds for the Covid-cancelled Hillbilly Hoedown. 

The WCBA hopes the event can be held next year, especially considering it was sold out before having to be cancelled earlier this year.

Ms Kimber said timber from a 200-year-old Woombye tree will be stored and used for an art installation of some kind around Woombye. 

“It will be able to age and we will have an opportunity to think about what we would like to do with it,” she said.

Member Christine Bennett who had been pushing hard to save the tree’s timber thanked the WCBA for working to get the best outcome from a terrible situation. 

The WCBA will also investigate applying for funding to honour a local pioneer woman under a new State Government initiative.

Treasurer Nathan Major said Other Revenue (OR) at $4,720 was the main reason for the end of year profit result of $4,860.28. 

He emphasised the need for higher levels of membership or sponsors should be considered so the Association would not have to rely on inconsistent outside revenue to remain profitable.