Eumundi Markets set to re-open

Parkside Markets will also be opening up to locals on 10 June.

The Eumundi Markets are on the way back.

The Eumundi anbd District Community Associations (EDCA) has announced it will be reopening markets in Eumundi on the terraces, Memorial Drive along with Parkside Markets next to Dick Caplick Park and Eumundi Square located at 1-7 Albert Street on 10 June.

The Pavilion Markets on the main street will also be opening.

Queensland state directives eased on 15 May allowing a number of markets to reopen immediately, but market manager Jenny Formosa said they did not want to rush in to reopening.

“There is a lot to organise to ensure our Covid-19 safe plans are well understood by stallholders, our safety procedures are implemented on the ground as well as raising visitor awareness of our hygiene and social distancing expectations and guidelines,” she said.

Hand sanitiser station checkpoints, social distancing signage, product handling restrictions, and no touch payment options are integral parts of the re-opening arrangements, along with a soft promotional campaign to encourage locals to come out in a fresh open air shopping environment aimed at supporting local businesses.

With a number of boutique shops re-opening in the main street of Eumundi, the re-opening of the markets brings with it the opportunity for the whole town to begin its economic recovery after the last eight weeks where most of the town has been closed for business.

The Imperial Hotel Eumundi Manager Paul Thomas said it was vital that businesses open when they are allowed.

“It’s in all of our best interests to make sure we do it as safely as possible and I think the markets are doing it the smart way and look forward to going down there on the first day back to support local traders.”

Visit Sunshine Coast (VSC) Industry and Membership Development Manager Andrew Fairbairn said the Eumundi markets was one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular attractions, and the reopening of the I Love Eumundi Markets would help support local businesses.

“The Eumundi Markets is a major draw card for the Sunshine Coast, and its ‘support local’ focus is one that clearly resonates with locals and visitors alike,” Mr Fairbairn said.

“We must take a ‘crawl, walk, run’ approach when it comes to recovery post COVID-19, and we commend the steps EDCA has taken to ensure the I Love Eumundi Markets will reopen with a firm COVD Safe plan in place.”