Residents’ vision for the future of Woombye’s streetscape took another step forward following a Streetscape Community Workshop with Sunshine Coast Council at the Bowls Club recently.

The community is working with Council on the Woombye Placemaking Streetscape Project which aims to create an attractive and vibrant town centre and retain its existing character as a picturesque heritage town with large shady trees and quaint local shops.

A Council spokesperson told the meeting the project aimed to create a strong community feel and provide a central space for people to gather and enjoy the atmosphere of the traditional main street.

Feedback gathered at the meeting and at events since October has informed council that any makeover needed to build on Woombye’s traditional country town look and feel and enhance its appeal by:

• improving pedestrian access by improving footpaths and crossings,

• making parking more convenient,

• creating a more attractive and vibrant town centre,

• providing more shady street trees and gardens in keeping with the current planting palette to encourage outdoor dining to support local businesses

• slowing traffic and improving wheelchair access.

Woombye Community and Business Association said the Streetscape Community Workshop was a great success.

“Thanks to all the community for coming to the Woombye Bowls Club to discuss the main street upgrade,” said President Debbie Kimber. “The budget may be small for all the great things we want to do but the WCBA will be pushing for more funding and grants. Based on feedback Council have put together some great ideas for parking, green space, trees, gardens, traffic mitigation and crossings.”

But where’s the budget?

Meanwhile, a long-term Woombye resident also highlighted the small budget allocation of $450,000, pointing to the inconsistency shown by Council towards Woombye and Palmwoods.

“Palmwoods gets $3 million spent a few years ago on one small town square (Piccabeen Green), and we have $450K to spend on the whole of Woombye. It’s a slap in the face really for Woombye. I mean, come on. I’m sure Woombye community is very grateful but we aren’t getting what we should.

“The $450K was arrived at 10 years ago and it’s taken this long to act.”

Div 5 Cr Winston Johnston said he would work hard to see that more funding was forthcoming. 

“As mentioned at the recent Woombye Place Making update held at Woombye Bowls Club, I am endeavouring to have the budget for this important project increased significantly, to ensure that all design and project works reflect the aspirations of the Woombye Community.

“A preliminary budget allocation of $450,000 by the previous council, was never going to be enough to deliver this project and I expect significant extra funding from either the June Budget and/or, from a State Stimulus Funding Grant.

“Comparisons between the allocation of funds for projects in various towns are not valid due to many differences such as topography, length/breadth of the area to be streetscaped and numerous other design issues. Each project is assessed and funded using those criteria, not by comparing projects which are delivered in adjoining towns.

“Now that Council’s Placemaking Team has completed initial community consultation and fully understands the scope of the area to be Streetscaped — as well as the aspirations of Woombye residents — they can prepare an accurate costing estimate for the June Council Budget.”

A later stage would see council develop a concept design to tell the stories of Woombye with artworks and interpretive elements inspired by the town’s heritage.

The community will have an opportunity to give feedback on the draft concept plan in coming months. The project team will then respond to the community feedback and finalise the concept for construction next year.

Similar projects have been carried out at Landsborough, Palmwoods, Beerwah and Pacific Paradise.

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