Another business owner at a Sunshine Coast beach says ongoing seawall restoration works have placed her two outlets under severe financial strain, leaving her uncertain about their future.
Sunshine Coast Council maintains the Moffat Beach seawall reconstruction is a vital project designed to protect the coastline and nearby infrastructure from further damage.
Ours Cafe & Goods and Ours by the Beach owner Niki Moran said her cafe and her restaurant had been “extremely and directly affected” by construction activity within the precinct.
“At this point, I am genuinely unsure if my business(es) will survive. This week alone, I have had to stagger wages,” she said.
Ms Moran said she had approached the council seeking relief through footpath dining fee support but felt the response did not address the challenges her businesses were facing.
“The response provided was that if I packed up and ceased using the footpath, I would no longer be required to pay for it,” she said.
“This does not address the financial harm already done, nor does it assist with business survival.”
A council spokesperson said an economic development team had offered to meet one-on-one with all 20 affected business owners and explored a range of potential support options.
“We explored the option of waiving outdoor dining and permit fees with the relevant council team.”
“After careful consideration, it was confirmed at that time, not possible. However, Council is currently investigating alternative options.”
The council also investigated the possibility of relaxing rates obligations, with the spokesperson noting “whilst this was not possible, information regarding rates payment plans was extended to the business owners”.
Ms Moran said she felt she had exhausted all available avenues.
“This week, I feel completely numb. I have exhausted every option available to me as a single business owner,” she said.
“My sales are continuing to decline – down $20,000 last week and $15,000 the week prior – and the downward trend is ongoing,” she said.
“I have outstanding supplier and ATO tax debts, with some accounts now blocked until balances are brought up to date.”
She said the potential closure of her businesses would have significant personal consequences.
“If I lose my business(es), I also lose my investment unit – the home my parents live in as their forever home,” Ms Moran said.
“My mother has Parkinson’s, and my father is her full-time carer. The thought of what may be coming in the next week is heartbreaking.”
The seawall reconstruction follows damage to the western section during severe weather and rainfall in 2022, with the middle section impacted again in early 2024.
The council spokesperson said that local authorities remained focused on completing the project as efficiently as possible.
“We are committed to finishing the seawall as quickly and safely as possible so Moffat Beach can continue to thrive.”
“The end result will be a strong, resilient foreshore that continues to attract visitors and support local businesses for years to come.”
Stage one of the project is expected to be completed before Christmas, with construction scheduled to pause over the holiday period. Stages two to five are planned for completion around Easter 2026, weather permitting.
