Yandina’s challenge to balance historic charm & business growth

While Yandina is broadly known for its historic roots, many visitors to the town are often amazed at what a thriving and vibrant centre it has become.

Chamber President Bill Gissane

Yandina has long captivated visitors with its rich heritage and dynamic atmosphere.

And while the town’s historic charm has been meticulously preserved, according to Business Yandina President Bill Gissane, it has also evolved into a thriving centre that delights people of all ages. 

“Interstate visitors to Yandina often express their admiration that the character of the town has been so well preserved,” Mr Gissane told ABC Sunshine Coast Radio recently. “It looks like a little slice of history, which it is.”

Mr Gissane, who owns Yandina Art & Framing said the business community was making a concerted effort to showcase the many offerings for people of all ages. “So it has been a bit of a balancing act to preserve the old and showcase the new,” he said.

Visit Yandina website

Business Yandina has collaborated with The Various Artists to develop a new website with the specific function to promote the incredible vibrancy, colour and diversity of the area.

“The new site, www.visityandina.com.au is a fantastic ‘at a glance’ guide to everything that is unique and fabulous about our town and its surroundings,” Mr Gissane said.

“We feel that it will quickly become a comprehensive ‘go to’ for visitors and locals alike.”

New residents influx 

There has been a recent influx of new residents to the area and Mr Gissane attributes this to a number of factors.

“We have certainly had a lot of ‘refugees’ from other parts of the Coast and one of the reasons is the price,” he said.

“It is not quite as pricey to get into the housing market as other areas of the Coast. But as well as that, we have incredible shopping, great school and educational facilities. We have a thriving industrial centre which is a source of jobs for locals. The Ginger Factory is one of the best attractions on the Coast, as is Nutworks.

“The Saturday markets are a huge drawcard and we are currently looking at the possibility of working with organisers to combine with the upcoming August Yandina Street Fair. I think there are all kinds of exciting possibilities there,” he said.

“And finally, we are surrounded by so many other fabulous Hinterland towns, like Nambour, Woombye, Palmwoods, Mapleton, Flaxton and Montville. The Sunshine Coast has some of the most stunning coastal areas in the country, and when you head west of the Bruce Highway, it is just as magical. That’s what we want people to know about our area.”

Servo concerns

Meanwhile, the proposed new service station development on the corner of Stevens and Farrell Streets was concerning to locals.

“Business Yandina is a fervently pro-business organisation,” said Mr Gissane. 

“We welcome new businesses to our town and there is no particular opposition to a new fuel station for Yandina, but just not in that location. 

“We are feeling very hopeful that our business and broader community can approach the developer to find a solution that will be beneficial for everyone concerned.”