by Cameron Outridge

Walter’s Artisan Bread owner David Mares is facing a daunting battle to open his new bakery on Currie Street, Nambour, due to ongoing power supply issues with Energex. He said that despite initial assurances, his dream of expanding the bakery is stalled,  uncertain and complex.

The bakery, renowned for its high-quality artisan bread, was set to relocate from the Big Pineapple due to its redevelopment. Mares has invested $800,000 in the new Currie facility and planned to employ a team of 12, with additional café staff. However, the project has been hindered by power supply issues.

“I checked with Energex before signing the lease,” Mares explained. “They said an upgrade would be no issue.” However, after five months, Energex informed him that the necessary infrastructure was not available, and he might need to build a new substation. “They asked for six and a half thousand dollars to start looking into it, then came back and said, ‘No, we can’t upgrade.’”

Recent meetings with local politicians have brought some attention to the issue. “Last week in estimates, I raised this issue with the Minister for Small Business,” said Brent Mickelberg, Shadow Minister for Small and Family Business. “The response was underwhelming. The minister said it wasn’t his responsibility because it was an Energex problem, which is not good enough.”

LNP candidate for Nicklin, Marty Hunt, echoed these sentiments. “Nambour needs business investment desperately. The government either supports small business or it doesn’t. David’s business will bring other businesses to Nambour, but he needs support.”

Mr Mares described the situation as frustrating and uncertain. “This has been a harrowing journey. I signed a ten-year lease and started the fit-out based on Energex’s assurance. Now, I’m told I can only get 300 amps instead of the 400 amps needed, and it’ll take 25 weeks to install. As a small business, I don’t have 25 weeks to wait.”

He highlighted the impact on his staff and customers. “I’ve got staff ready to go and customers waiting, but I can’t give them a timeline. Energex needs to expedite this so we can move from the Big Pineapple, where they want to start the next stage of development.”

Mr Mares also addressed the broader implications for Nambour. “This is the main shopping hub for people in the hinterland. If we can establish power here, it will attract more businesses. I just want to support local people and the community with a bakery they’re asking for. “I think the flow-on effect of businesses will grow. But a lot of businesses, the ones I’ve been speaking to, have stayed away from Nambour because, like you’ve just pointed out, there’s so many empty shells. But I think that we can turn that around.

The bakery could open within two weeks if the power issue was resolved. “But I need help to open the doors,” Mares said. “I just want to give my customers what they’re after. 

“Every day we’re delayed is a day we can’t serve our loyal customers or support our staff. It’s incredibly frustrating. 

“We’ve invested so much into this new location, and every delay increases our costs. It’s becoming harder to manage.”