A popular market will go ahead this weekend at this stage although a host of others have been called off.
The Noosa Farmers Market, held every Sunday morning, at the Noosa Australian Football Club grounds on Webya Road, Noosaville, will still go ahead.
Market management has taken into account farmers’ need to sell their produce and the public’s need to buy food, against the likely impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred on Sunday’s weather in the area.
However, the decision to proceed is subject to reassessment pending the cyclone’s movements and changes in conditions.
Sunshine Coast Council took the step of suspending the permits for two markets within its area of authority on Tuesday.
The Original Eumundi Market and the Yandina Country Markets have both been suspended until at least March 10.
A condition of the market permits means they must stop if the council notifies them that they consider there is an imminent risk of danger.
A notice sent to the market organisers said “continuation of your event in the forecast weather conditions poses an urgent and serious threat to community health and safety”.
It said Cyclone Alfred was forecast to make landfall immediately preceding or during the events, and the Sunshine Coast was expected to experience cyclonic conditions, destructive winds up to120km/h, significant rainfall, flooding and storm surge.
“The timing and nature of the weather forecast indicates that you will not be able to safely prepare for or undertake the event,” the notice said.
“The timing and nature of the weather forecast indicates that participants of the event may be placed at unnecessary risk when travelling to or partaking in the event.”
The suspension notice said preparing for the event “could place people or property at risk”.
The organisers of both markets have advised of the suspensions on social media with messages for market community members to stay safe.
The Original Eumundi Markets boast to be on “rain, hail or shine” and cancellations have been rare, apart from during restrictions in the early stages of the pandemic.
The Caloundra Street Fair organisers announced on social media that they had cancelled this Sunday’s market due to uncertainty about the days ahead and Cyclone Alfred’s movements.
The Kawana Farmers Market, held every Saturday in the Kawana Waters State College grounds, have been cancelled due to the closure of school grounds and the likelihood the cyclone’s impact will be felt further south.
The organisers of the Maleny Sunday Markets announced the cancellation of this weekend’s event on Monday.
The Fishermans Road Markets at Maroochydore were cancelled on Tuesday.
