Noosa businesses struggling

Wolfgang Zwick says it’s time to speak out about tough business conditions.

Geoff Potter

Noosa is at risk of losing its businesses to a sink-hole of rising rents and rates that are dragging down companies already struggling as tourist numbers dwindle.

Following a report in the Sunshine Coast Daily that outlined a “hideous” atmosphere in the Queensland tourism powerhouse, Wolf’s German Bakery and Cafe owner, Wolfgang Zwick, said businesses were being forced out because they could no longer handle the costs.

“The big problem we have in Noosa is that businesses are dying like flies,” he said.

“The rents are far too expensive and if we don’t do something about it, the tourism industry will die.”

Mr Zwick said the service industry was being forced against the wall as landlords and council targeted them with higher rates.

With their costs increasing, many have little choice but to raise their own prices, and it increased the risk of the area being avoided by budget-conscious travellers.

“Everything is going up but if we put our prices up, we can’t survive,” Mr Zwick said.

“We need cheaper shops, cheaper restaurants and cheaper accommodation.

“To dine at night, it is often more than $100.

“We have to be cheaper than that in Noosa and no one wants to recognise that rents need to go down.”

Previously, former Noosa Chamber of Commerce president Jeff Nuske said jobs were disappearing at the surf mecca.

“Where are the long-term jobs in Noosa? We can’t all be dishies and waiters,” Mr Nuske said.

“Soon we will end up as the biggest retirement village in Queensland.”

But while Mr Nuske questioned what council was doing to protect Noosa’s economic standing, Mr Zwick said the community needed to work together.

“I have run this shop for 12 months this week,” Mr Zwick said.

"But a business owner I know has had his for 15 years and said this is the worst he has seen it. It’s time for us to work together to solve these problems.”

“Where are the long-term jobs in Noosa? We can’t all be dishies and waiters.”