Rosemount businesses urge customers: we’re still open
Jay Govett, Blake Rogers and Greg Fielding from Rosemount Nursery say roadworks have had a big impact on business.
Rosemount businesses affected by the Petrie Creek Road closure are urging customers not to be deterred by roadworks and detours, with owners stressing they remain open and accessible – and welcoming recent efforts by Sunshine Coast Council to improve communication and signage.
Rosemount Nursery owners Sally and Blake Rogers said Council had now contacted them directly to clarify the signage requirements and was looking at moving signs to make directions clearer for motorists.
Mrs Rogers said the focus was on helping customers understand the best way to reach businesses along Petrie Creek Road while the major upgrade continued.
The family-owned nursery, which employs 18 staff, can still be accessed from the eastern Bli Bli, Diddillibah and David Low Way direction.
“People see ‘road closed’ everywhere and think they can’t get to us, but they can,” Mr Rogers said. “They get nearly here, panic, turn around and then ring us asking how to get in.”
Motorists accessing businesses are permitted to continue along Petrie Creek Road from that direction rather than taking the signed detour to Nambour which takes traffic along Paynters Creek Road.
Mrs Rogers said Google Maps had also contributed to confusion by directing some motorists away from the area.
The nursery said the disruption had come during what would normally be one of its busiest trading periods.
“Normally our nursery is full of people, which is really heartbreaking,” Mrs Rogers said.
However, she said the response from customers and the wider community had been encouraging, with people deliberately making the effort to continue supporting the nursery despite the changed access arrangements.
Rosemount Turf director Penny Boyle said her business had also experienced disruption, including customers cancelling orders because of the detours.
“We have been notifying customers who are coming to collect turf but have had orders cancel because of the inconvenience, and also had to deal with disgruntled customers arriving who are frustrated with the detour,” Ms Boyle said.
She said the business had previously raised concerns about the effect the closure could have on businesses and surrounding roads.
Council said it acknowledged the temporary impact of the Stage 2 works and was continuing to work directly with affected businesses.
“Maintaining access to local businesses and keeping the community informed remains a priority throughout Stage Two works,” a Council spokesperson said.
Council said access to homes and businesses between Sugar View Lane and the eastern intersection of Paynters Creek Road remained available from the eastern end of Petrie Creek Road.
It said signage and electronic message boards were in place and that the project team had been engaging directly with businesses about access and operational requirements.
Council said the full closure was necessary to safely undertake significant drainage and road upgrades and that completing the work without the closure would take twice as long.
The detour is expected to remain in place until November 2026.
Despite the disruption, Rosemount Nursery is looking at plant specials and other initiatives to encourage people to continue visiting.
Rosemount Nursery has been family owned and operated since 1996 and is open seven days a week from 8am to 5pm. It remains open for business and is accessible via Petrie Creek Road heading west.
