Business owners in a popular beachside precinct have reported they are facing a critical winter period as ongoing seawall construction continues to disrupt trade.
For more than a year, businesses in Moffat Beach have experienced reduced parking, restricted access, construction fencing and a marked decline in visitor numbers linked to the project.
While operators said they supported the need to protect the coastline, many believed the financial burden of the disruption has fallen heavily on the local business community.
Ours by the Beach operations manager Ashtyn Watkins-Shaw said trade had dropped significantly during the construction period.
“Historically, the venue was generating between $80,000 and $90,000 per month. More recently, we have seen months closer to $50,000, which places enormous pressure on a venue of this size,” he said.
“As a result, we have had to significantly reduce staffing. Our team has effectively been reduced by around half.”
Mr Watkins-Shaw said many nearby operators were also under pressure, with some taking significant steps to stay afloat.
“From conversations with neighbouring operators, many have borrowed money, sold personal assets, sought rent relief, reduced staffing or reduced trading hours simply to survive,” he said.
The Moffat Beach seawall project is critical to the long-term protection of the foreshore.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
The project was originally expected to be completed by the end of last year or early this year but has now been pushed out to August.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said it was committed to finishing the project as safely and efficiently as possible, to ensure the community and visitors to the area would be able to enjoy it for generations to come.
“Council acknowledges that the project timeline has been impacted by supply chain issues and some challenging environmental conditions,” a spokesperson said.
“The project has also been delayed by adapting construction methods to meet the community desire to retain Norfolk pine trees in the area.
“Council is working closely with local businesses through regular engagement and supporting various community-led events and activations, based on what local operators have said they need.
“The Moffat Beach Street Party on June 18 drew thousands of visitors, with local venues reporting strong trade and full capacity.”
Esther Bundellu from The Pocket said the impacts to traffic and sales from the construction had been incredibly difficult for the business, and the success of the first street party event was a significant step forward for what was to come.
“The street party felt like it brought life back to Moffat Beach,” Ms Bundellu said.
“We saw a lot of local customers that we haven’t seen for a long time.
“Our sales reflected this with a 300 per cent increase comparing the first street party event to the Thursday before.”
Kerrod Walters from The Shack Fish and Chippery said the street party event was successful.
“A lot of people came out for it, and the event ticked the boxes for what we have been trying to achieve,” Mr Walters said.
“We underestimated the crowd and will need to make some business changes for future events to ensure our customers have a great experience.”
The project is progressing, with the rock wall now largely complete, and final works underway on beach access stairs.
In the next stages, seawall capping and stairs will be completed and the final project completion is on track for the end of August. The eastern car park is expected to reopen at that time.
Mr Watkins-Shaw said the most pressing concern was timing, with another winter approaching while works continue.
“For some operators, the challenge is no longer about profitability. It is simply about surviving long enough to see the project completed,” he said.
