Carpark back in the hands of Eumundi community

The Eumundi community was the big winner in yesterday’s decision by the Sunshine Coast Council to endorse a recommendation which gives the carpark used by visitors to the Eumundi Markets, back to locals.

While the carpark will still be available to Eumundi Market visitors, the fees collected will now be put back into the community thanks to a move by Divisional Councillors Vivien Griffin and Paul Tatton to change the carpark’s management model.

“Today’s final decision is very much in keeping with this Council’s commitment to working in partnership with its communities,” Cr Griffin said.

“It not only reflects our values in relation to what community means but also shows that Council is open and willing to listen to the needs of the people it represents.”

The carpark, which has been leased by a private consortium as a business venture since 2006, generates more than $370,000 annually.

Councillor Paul Tatton said that the new management model that he and Cr Griffin had put up for discussion at this week’s General Committee meeting, would put this money back into local projects.

“The approved management model for the Eumundi Markets car park is a community based model led by a consortium made up of the Eumundi District Historical Association, Eumundi District Community Association and Eumundi Chamber of Commerce,” Cr Tatton said.

“This model, while it will require the usual governance, accountability and transparency structures in place before it goes ahead, is a great way for this extremely active community to benefit from one of Eumundi’s biggest visitor attractions – its markets.

“The markets are all about shopping locally and putting dollars back into the community – this week’s unanimous decision by council to support this community model brings this goal full circle.

“It’s a fantastic outcome and both Vivien and myself would like to thank the Eumundi people, particularly those involved in the three community groups which make up the consortium, for their patience and perseverance throughout the decision making process.”

Council, including Councillors Tatton and Griffin, will now start negotiations with the community consortium to develop a Community Management Agreement for the Eumundi Car parks, and to provide a further report to Council on the proposed agreement for final adoption.