By JONATHON HOWARD
NOOSA Junction businesses are struggling, according to several operators, who are calling on customers to “come back”, as they continue to campaign for new parking bays.
There are now more than 24 outlets available for lease along the once busy Sunshine Beach Rd – with that figure expected to rise in the near future.
Turning the tide on the Junction’s woes has been largely focused on parking reconfigurations, as well as the soon to be launched “Come Back Again” loyalty campaign.
A recent petition organised by Eat Me business owner, Lizzi George, resulted in more than 440 signatures to have parking along Sunshine Beach Rd reconfigured.
The petition proposed the implementation of a single lane angular parking confirguration, which would allow vehicles to park front to curb.
The proposal and petition were presented to Noosa Council on 29 May and it is expected to be discussed by council in the coming weeks.
Ms George said the proposal would not hinder passing traffic, but instead make it more convenient for customers.
“Businesses are closing all the time and we’re struggling to keep up with other areas,” she said.
“We’re not asking to change all of Sunshine Beach Rd into parking bays, what we’re proposing is one side (one lane) of the four lane road to become on-street angular parking.
“We don’t want to shut down both sides of the Junction – we simply want to reconfigure one side to allow for easy access to shopping.”
Mother of two and Noosa local, Hayley Griffis, supported the idea.
“I think anything that can help Junction traders is a good idea,” she said.
“Plus on-street parking is great when you have kids and I think it would help shoppers.”
However, several Junction shoppers said they had concerns over traffic congestion and feared a “bottle neck” could develop through Sunshine Beach Rd.
One resident, who did not want to be named, said the Junction already offered several parking configurations.
“There’s plenty of parking around the Junction – maybe there could be other ways of boosting the Junction to attract more customers,” he said.
Ideas have since been springing up in the community ranging from more parking on top of Coles, developing underground parking and even hosting more street-based events.
Noosa Junction Business Association is about to launch a loyalty program to encourage and reward customers to re-visit the Junction.
Known as “Come Back Again”, the deal bonanza will begin this Saturday, 14 June an run until the end of July.
Customers will be asked to listen to Noosa Community Radio Station 101.3FM every morning between 9am-10am and listen out for the code word after you hear the words “Come Back Again”.
Traders taking part will display a “Come Back Again” sticker on their front window.
Make sure you mention the code word before you leave to receive a voucher which will be rewarded upon your next visit.
To find out more visit www.noosajunction.org
Have you got an idea to boost customers at Noosa Junction? We’d love to hear it. Send your thoughts to newsdesk@noosatoday.net.au
