Decorative lights have been installed in more than 30 trees along a main Sunshine Coast beachfront, ahead of major works in the area.
The initiative is the first outcome of a collaboration between Mooloolaba businesses and Sunshine Coast Council as they attempt to maintain the appeal of the area before, during and after major works are carried out along the foreshore.
Councillor Tim Burns said council had been working with specialist place strategy and activation company, Reactivate Consulting, a newly established Business Activation Group and the broader business community on developing a Business Activation Plan for the area.
“As a result of businesses collaborating with council, we now have warm-coloured, low-voltage LED lights along Mooloolaba Esplanade switched on for the school holidays and operating from 6pm to 10pm nightly,” he said.
“The refreshed lights at various locations add extra atmosphere at one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular destinations for dinner and drinks.
“The draft Business Activation Plan focuses on opportunities for Mooloolaba and creating ideas to keep the town humming.”
Mooloolaba Chamber of Commerce president and local business owner Graeme Juniper said the lighting was warmly welcomed.
“The Chamber of Commerce is absolutely thrilled to have the decorative lighting in Mooloolaba,” he said. “It’s something we have been requesting for some time and it’s a really a positive outcome for the presentation of Mooloolaba, especially for locals and visitors alike.”
Council has been working with the Mooloolaba Business Activation Group and Mooloolaba Stakeholder Interest Group since February.
The Business Activation Group consists of accommodation providers, representatives from tourism, hospitality and retail, precinct managers, as well as the Mooloolaba Chamber of Commerce and regional tourism organisation Visit Sunshine Coast.
It’s hoped local businesses will not be adversely affected by a raft of nearby works during stage two of the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project.
Stage two includes new flowing viewing decks, spacious and beautiful community parkland and picnic areas, public art, expansive landscaping, modern public amenities, a covered open sided pavilion, a terraced protective seawall and a broad, accessible coastal pathway for pedestrians and cyclists.
The process to finalise an expert construction contractor for the works continues.
Preparation works are anticipated to start early next year, with major construction likely to start in May.
