That Shop for Her, Bli Bli Bakery, bait shop take hit over bridge work

Three Sunshine Coast small businesses have spoken out about the “crippling” effect of a downturn in customers after TMR partially closed the main bridge into town for repairs.

Small businesses in a growing family suburb on the Sunshine Coast have revealed their heartache after they say a bridge closure for repairs sent their businesses spiralling.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads shocked Bli Bli business owners in September by announcing an eight-week partial road closure on the Bli Bli bridge, on David Low Way, for maintenance without first consulting them.

The detour, which began on October 9, means the bridge is closed to traffic travelling westbound towards Bli Bli and motorists must instead use the Sunshine Mwy, Bradman Ave and David Low Way.

One business owner lamented her empty car park while another shop was in “crisis mode” and calling for compensation, following the partial closure.

The state government has stated it is working with affected businesses.

The outcry comes just days after a $32m new pub opened in the town centre, after six years in the pipeline.

Bli Bli bait shop in ‘crisis’ mode

Bait Master Fishing and Tackle owner Corinne Aiken said her and husband Trent’s stress levels had “been through the roof” since the bridge works started.

Corinne Aiken says she will lose thousands of dollars because of the decision to partially close the Bli Bli bridge on David Low Way. Picture: Letea Cavander

She acknowledged that sales were “already slow” prior to the bridge closure but “to put it bluntly” the business was now in “crisis mode”.

“We’re down 44 per cent in sales compared to this time last year, and it’s directly impacting our ability to meet financial obligations including our rent,” she said.

The David Low Bridge, better known as the Bli Bli bridge, has been closed to westbound traffic since October 9. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“The timing couldn’t be worse, leading into what should be our busiest period at Christmas.

“Business was already slow this year, and now with the bridge works, it’s like the universe is telling us to pack up. We’re seriously considering relocating because staying here is becoming unsustainable.”

She described it as a “heartbreaking decision” to even contemplate.

The Bait Master Fishing and Tackle shop on David Low Way. Picture: Patrick Woods.

The shop owner said she had contacted the state government over the prospect of compensation.

“We’re not opposed to necessary maintenance and safety works, but the lack of consultation and consideration for local businesses is deeply concerning,” Mrs Aiken said.

“We’re left to deal with the consequences, with little to no support.”

Downturn for That Shop For Her

That Shop For Her owner Anthea Nicholas said she had never seen the car park of the Bli Bli Village Town Centre so empty.

She said her clothing and accessories store had experienced a 30 per cent downturn since the works began.

That Shop For Her has also experienced a downturn in business since the Bli Bli bridge works began last month. Picture: Patrick Woods.

The retailer, who has owned small businesses for more than 10 years, said if she had known about the bridge works and when they were scheduled she would not have ordered so much stock for what was usually her busiest time of year.

“I have to order my stock a year in advance,” Mrs Nicholas said.

“We do half our trade for the whole year in the last quarter.”

The shop owner said the bridge works were “crippling” small businesses in Bli Bli.

“It has been very poorly communicated works,” Mrs Nicholas said.

She said, like everyone else, due to inflation her rent, water, electricity and other costs had increased.

“If the work isn’t done on time, by geez it’s going to make a mess of Christmas,” Mrs Nicholas said.

The clothing shop owner said she would, however, survive.

Bakery woes

Bli Bli Bakery owner Liz Taylor also wondered why the bridge works could not have been completed in January, which was a quieter month for her business.

Owner of Bli Bli Bakery Liz Taylor and staff member Jess Robinson have noticed fewer customers since the bridge works started. Picture: Patrick Woods.

She has owned the David Low Way business for 14 years.

“If they gave us a bit of notice we could have organised our finance a bit more,” Ms Taylor said.

She said the department never approached her.

The bakery owner said it had been a tough period for small businesses that went from Covid-19 to increases in costs post-pandemic.

“We’ve been here for this long, but you feel like as a small business with everything happening, you get ahead and then you get knocked back again,” she said.

Department of Transport and Main Roads responds

A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said the department informed key stakeholders, local businesses and the broader community in advance of the repair works.

“We met with directly impacted businesses and issued a work notification to more than 3000 residents and businesses in the area,” they said.

“The repair work has been carefully planned to minimise impacts on local businesses, the community and the environment.

“However, as with all roadwork, impacts and disruptions are unavoidable.”

The spokesperson said the department would continue to work with business owners to listen and minimise the effects on their businesses where possible.

“Traffic control measures are in place to facilitate access to businesses near the work site and variable messaging signs (VMS) are in place to advise in advance of the work,” they said.