Customers terrified of certain areas of Nambour CBD

A clearly frustrated local business owner says the Nambour CBD business community is suffering under a pattern of intimidating and antisocial behaviour on a regular basis.

The person, who did not want to be named, said she undersood that it was important to take care of vulnerable people.

But Nambour, and the CBD in particular, was coping with more than its fair share. 

“It’s affecting our business because some customers are terrified of walking through certain areas to come in and see us. 

“So we have to try and direct them to where they can approach safely. They can’t use those car parks out the back because if they have to walk through the town square (in Short Street) and walk past the element that hangs out there, they’re scared. 

“And I’ve had to, on some occasions, walk back with my customers to their car.

“And it’s not necessarily the homeless, it’s just some of the unruly behaviour that’s going on. That’s the sad thing, I suppose. 

“And they’re not local to Nambour. They are coming, probably off the train, and they’re coming through town to use the methadone clinic. 

“And what really needs to happen is that clinic needs to go. Now! Back to the hospital, back to Sunshine Coast University Hospital. Pretty please! 

“The authorities think that they can just send them here to Nambour.  I think Nambour is totally duped by the council and the State Government and it’s disgusting.

“Sorry. I can’t stand any more. I keep thinking to myself, ‘Why are we still here in business in Nambour?’ Because it’s not how it was when we first started years ago. People would all come down and be friendly and have a chat. Now I think they’re terrified and they don’t tend to linger.”

The business person pointed to a disturbance across the street.

“Even right now ... with just having this element here and they’re screaming and they’re ranting up and down. That’s what the problem is. And it’s affecting everyone. No-one should have to put up with this regular, awful, threatening and intimidating behaviour.”