Woombye’s main street will get a facelift to mark the town’s 135th birthday.
From depot to township, Woombye’s history has remained with its country charm and enticing character becoming more prominent in the recent draft streetscape designs for Blackall Street.
“In 1867, one man’s personal fortune made the history books as Gympie surged into a gold rush,” Sunshine Coast Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston said.
“As word of the boom spread, Cobb & Co coaches frequented the route from Brisbane to Gympie. Along the journey, the coaches stopped in at Middle Camp staging depot, a place more commonly known as Woombye.”
Council asked the community in November to share what they loved and what could be improved to enhance the street.
“From the ideas and feedback provided in the first stage of engagement, a draft streetscape concept design has been developed, ready for the community’s further feedback.
“The community told us they would like improved pedestrian access, convenient parking, an attractive and vibrant town centre and the ability to tell the stories of Woombye.
“I think the community will be pleased that the concept design meets these needs.
“Council’s design team has done a great job in keeping Woombye’s traditional country town look and feel while enhancing its appeal to locals and visitors as a relaxed, friendly place.
“We aren’t looking to change Woombye’s identity, instead enhance what the community already loves about the lively township to improve the day-to-day experience of people living, working and visiting the hinterland town.
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“I encourage the Woombye community to come down to share your ideas with the project team and enjoy a free barbecue at the Woombye School of Arts Hall on Saturday, July 24, between 8am and noon.
“If you can’t make it in person, then jump online and provide your feedback by visiting council’s Have Your Say website until August 13.”
Council, in partnership with the Queensland Government, has allocated $1.55 million to deliver the streetscape improvements.
The State Government has contributed $500,000 of the total funding under the $100 million South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program.
Following community feedback, the final designs will be produced, and construction is scheduled to take place in 2021/2022. Council will keep the community updated as the project progresses.
Community input
- Online survey closes August 13.
- Visit haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
