The final stage of Tamborine Mountain’s new food, art, workshop and events precinct is officially open and supporting 18 jobs for the Scenic Rim’s tourism recovery.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said North Stores received almost $1 million from the Palaszczuk Government’s Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund (GTI).
“Located in the fresh air of Tamborine Mountain, North Stores is a must-do destination for visitors on the Scenic Rim’s famous food and art trail,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“The sky’s the limit for North Stores.
“With $1 million from the Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund, North Stores has created a large open plan building, landscaped gardens, grassed outdoors event space and produce garden.
“Today’s opening unlocks a bucket list of fresh tourism experiences for day trips and visitors on weekend getaways to Tamborine Mountain and the Scenic Rim.
“It’s predicted the North Stores food, art and events precinct will inspire an extra 30,000 visitors to the Scenic Rim and contribute around $670,000 to the local tourism economy.
“North Stores is already creating jobs with 15 on the work roster, three jobs during construction, and potential for up to 24 workers as the precinct evolves.
“This tourism infrastructure project for the Scenic Rim is also an investment in the local environment with a closed loop system for managing food waste.
“North Stores was made possible by a friendship and shared enthusiasm for growing and cooking authentic Scenic Rim produce.”
Brenda Fawdon and Sonja Drexler bought the precinct’s land in 2017 and last year opened Picnic Real Food Bar, an eatery and takeaway business.
“North Stores is an architecturally and sustainably designed development, housing Picnic Real Food Bar and a thoughtfully curated collection of shops, art studios and spaces,” Brenda and Sonja said.
“Visitors can stop for breakfast or lunch and stock up on provisions, or browse the artworks for sale, attend a workshop, or simply relax with a coffee and breathe the clean mountain air.
“We’re thrilled the GTI Fund enabled the second stage of the development well ahead of schedule.
“We’d already invested to our current capacity to purchase the land and build stage one of the development, including our eatery Picnic Real Food Bar, and we’re happy we were able to co-contribute to stage two.”
Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said North Stores was an exciting development for the Scenic Rim region.
“It is businesses like these that continue to put the Scenic Rim on the map for our award-winning fresh produce, fine products and outstanding wine and beverages,” he said.
“North Stores not only provides an authentic experience, connecting visitors with and championing fresh seasonal produce, but also delivers jobs for local residents and generates economic return for the region.”
Mr Hinchliffe said North Stores was one of 22 projects funded by the Palaszczuk Government’s $25 Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
“This is part of our plan to support Queensland tourism operators to build back better for the industry’s recovery,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“In partnership with private investment, GTI is designed to encourage and fast-track the development of new tourism infrastructure and world-leading visitor experiences.
“Across Queensland, GTI projects are creating new visitor destinations to inject an extra $140 million into the State’s tourism economies annually.”
Pics: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/o1023z4fg9ddeiq/AAD_PaOP4ot7GFw64fVYcXoxa?dl=0
