Streetscape is just weeks from finish
THE excitement in Jay Pashley's voice is unmistakeable.
"This is a game changer for the area."
Mr Pashley is talking about the $3 million Sunshine Coast Council streetscape project for the Marcoola business district that is expected to be completed before the Christmas holidays.
As a local businessman, secretary of the North Shore Traders Association and a voluntary director of the Marcoola Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank, it is not surprising Mr Pashley is passionate about his patch.
And though safety barriers, noisy machinery and workers in hi-vis shirts give the impression of a construction site, the town's long-awaited "re-birth" is just around the corner.
"We're a couple of weeks away from the transformation of Marcoola," Mr Pashley said.
"Each day you turn up there is something different - it's not always pretty, it's not always convenient but it's something we're all prepared to work through.
"This is something that everyone in this particular part of Marcoola has been working on ... going back 10 or 15 years. It's been a long process."
Adding to the excitement for traders and residents is a $20,000 donation from the Bendigo Bank.
The money will be added to the $10,000 contributed by other local businesses and residents and a $50,000 allocation from the council for street art to put the finishing touches to the upgrade.
Marcoola bank manager Judy Blackall said the decision to support the project followed the North Shore Community Forum held in May, where locals were asked to prioritise funding for community projects.
"This is the biggest amount that we've contributed right across the Sunshine Coast," Ms Blackall said.
"Our branch exists because the people of Marcoola and the North Shore said they wanted their own bank. Now, through the support locals continue to give us, we're able to give back in the form of donations just like this one to North Shore Traders Association."
Mr Pashley said the money would allow Marcoola to present "something special".
"We're really looking forward to Christmas and having it all done and being able to welcome people to the new Marcoola," he said.
