The arrival of new traders is breathing fresh energy into a hinterland village after the departure of some key businesses in recent years.
Montville is said to be undergoing a period of revitalisation after the loss of businesses including a medical centre, chemist and newsagency in the last two and a half years.
The closures left many worried about the impact of the loss of foot traffic on surrounding businesses.
While some have been concerned about empty business premises in town, others pointed out a number of new arrivals.
Shiralee Cooper, of the Montville Chamber of Commerce, said the town was moving forward.
“The Chamber has recently met with a number of our tourism heads. I am waiting on more information as to positive outcomes,” she said.
“The loss of Ochre Health severely undermined all the allied health and local businesses leading to nine vacancies in the village square. North of there, we only have one vacant space.”
Wayne Parcell, president of the Montville Village Association, said Montville was undergoing a transformation.
He pointed out there was a new doctor in town, and a pharmacy had opened in February.
Other new businesses to open included The Candle and Quill Bookshop and a garden shop, he said.
“It ebbs and flows, shops opening and closing in Montville, and it’s probably going through a bit of a revival at the moment,” he said.
Meg Bonney opened The Candle and Quill Bookshop in Jasmine Cottage, on February 22, selling books, candles, writing implements, artwork and coffee.
Ms Bonney, who grew up in Maleny, said she always had a soft spot for Montville.
She and her fiancé have lived and worked in various locations throughout Australia during the past six years and, after he scored a work transfer to Brisbane, she intended finding herself a new job in her field as an environmental scientist.
Also a writer, Meg opened The Candle and Quill Bookshop after voicing her dream of one day owning a bookstore to her mother, who noticed the premises for rent and encouraged her to take the plunge.
Ms Bonney said her first six weeks or so in business had been better than she could have expected.
The store was already hosting book club meetings and has also been approached to host a music gig, she said.
Ms Bonney said she was pleased to be in Montville because of its character and mix of businesses.
“Maleny is near and dear to my heart but Montville is one of those places that has that real village-y feel is and is green,” she said.
“Maleny has got so big, which is fantastic for the locals and businesses but Montville still has that quiet and quaint feel with it.”
She said Montville had businesses doing unique and different things and was pleased to count The Candle and Quill among them.
“There’s Luna Liberty boutique, Fiorio and Co have been doing really beautiful Italian food but are switching to a French menu in June. Priscilla’s Gallery are going to be doing food again, and there’s Bark and Brew, which is a pet store crossed with a café,” she said.
