As the Yeppoon foreshore precinct attracts more and more visitors each year, Council is keen to hear from local businesses, property owners and community members on preferred improvements for the Yeppoon Town Centre, centring on James Street.
Mayor Bill Ludwig said an online survey targeted towards local businesses would assist Council in developing a masterplan for this area which can guide ongoing improvements and provide the basis for future State and Federal funding opportunities.
“In response to comments received by Council over several years and on the basis of feedback received through community engagement associated with the Yeppoon Foreshore and Town Centre Revitalisation Project, Council is considering how to enhance the public realm of James Street, with the end goal of substantially improving the collective economic and social performance of the street,” Mayor Ludwig said.
“These local businesses are the primary drivers of activity on James Street and the surrounding business centre. They have the most knowledge of how customers interact with the precinct, which is why Council is keen to hear their thoughts and get their advice to ensure that future works will deliver the best possible outcomes.
“The local business community continues to do tremendous work in creating inviting shopfronts for our regions visitors, and Council wants to build on that momentum by upgrading our public spaces.”
Deputy Mayor Nigel Hutton said while Yeppoon’s Town Centre had a number of positives, there were still plenty of exciting ideas to be suggested which could transform the streetscape.
“More trees for a shaded environment where visitors and locals can sit and enjoy the scenery, tropical gardens to complement our seaside charm, improved lighting as well as better positioned seating and outdoor furniture are just some of the suggestions we believe local businesses and the wider community will want,” Cr Hutton said.
“Facilitating people being comfortable and lingering longer in the street is essential for creating great streets – both aesthetically and economically – and needs to be a priority within the overarching design.”
The timeline for implementation of improvements will be dependent upon Council’s ability to secure external funds and the allocation of placemaking funding in future budget cycles.
The survey is open now, closing early March. To take part in the survey please visit https://getinvolved.livingstone.qld.gov.au/yeppoon-town-centre-streetscape-project