Businesses unite to survive
SHOPKEEPERS feeling the pinch of Beaudesert’s major drainage upgrades need their loyal customers now more than ever.
The middle of Beaudesert has been basically ripped up in a major ongoing stormwater drainage upgrade since the northbound lane of Brisbane Street closed to traffic in early September. Even prior to that, there were road closures dating back to April to fix drainage on Short Street and Eaglesfield Street.
While businesses want the drainage fixed and appreciate the immensity of the project, they are feeling the crushing impact of road closures and limited on-street parking.
And there is no end immediately in sight, with the northbound lane of Brisbane Street remaining closed until at least March 2025.
In the meantime, fences are expected to come down by November 16 on the revitalised Davidson Park, featuring new public toilets, parking, a multipurpose stage, public art and CCTV.
Trying times
Sue Weymouth from Beaudesert News, which is in the thick of the construction zone, had hoped Brisbane Street would be reopened sooner.
And while business owners like her appreciate the workers are putting in nights and weekends to get the job done, times are undeniably tough as a shopkeeper in Beaudesert CBD.
“I had previously heard it was going to be done by about Christmas and I thought that would be okay, then Council advised it was going to be March,” she said.
“I don’t blame the people on the construction site, they’re all working hard, but it’s just that frustration.”
And Sue is not the only one. The Beaudesert Bulletin is aware of many businesses on Brisbane Street, William Street and Short Street struggling with a loss of trade they attribute directly to disruptions caused by the town centre upgrade.
Pain acknowledged
Council officers close to the project, which is part of the Beaudesert Town Centre Revitalisation Project 2020-2025, are in direct conversation with impacted shopkeepers.
“As much as Council drives me up the wall, the Council officer we’ve been dealing with has been fantastic, he listens and takes what we say on board,” Sue said.
A Council spokesperson told the Bulletin those discussions were ongoing and through listening to concerns from retailers they had made changes to encourage supporting local business, like improving signage to alternative car parking.
“We understand it is hard, but this drainage is core infrastructure to ensure we keep the level of service needed, especially with regards to flooding. This is not a beautification, it’s an actual requirement,” they said.
On a mission
Sue said CBD businesses were taking matters into their own hands to set up a shop local initiative, which is being supported by the Bulletin, for those feeling the effects of the works.
“We’ve got to be united. We’re all feeling the effects but if we work together, we can actually do something,” she said.
“We’ve got to look after ourselves and fight for our loyal customers who we so deeply appreciate.”
Chris Grimmett from Kalico Country has lost customers who would usually drop in when they see her window display at the traffic lights.
“We’re going to do raffles and Christmas shopping open late at night on a few Thursdays in early December, make it a bit festive and special for customers,” she said.
Jacqui Stefan from Our Little Shop is feeling the flow-on effects on William Street.
“We all want to be here at the end of all this, and for us to hang around we need the support of Beaudesert to keep shopping with us and supporting us,” she said.
