When residents of Cooroy join together they become a formidable force, especially when prompted by unexpected hardship.
The Cooroy Mill Place Precinct stands as a powerful display of the town’s determination to transform a crushing blow to the community, into one of the its great strengths.
In 2000 the Queensland Government made a decision that meant the end for Cooroy’s historic timber milling industry. Over 70 jobs were lost and the future of the Old Mill Site and the town were in doubt.
A group of concerned citizens got involved with a desire to secure the site for future generations, to preserve the town’s heritage and to create something truly special for the community.
Just over a decade later, the Mill Place Precinct is a public space that is second to none on the Sunshine Coast.
The precinct has many attractions such as the old sawmill boiler, the Cooroora Woodworkers and the Sunshine Coast Camphor Laurel Initiative, but the state-of-the-art Cooroy Library is the Mill Precinct’s crowning jewell.
“Everything at the Mill Place Precinct tells us something about Cooroy, our history, our future and most importantly the power of the community,” Mill Board President Tex Pipke said.
“I think the library in particular, demonstrates the vision that people on the original Mill Board had for Cooroy… we did not just want a $2 million library, we envisaged something much bigger.
“We now have a facility that is literally the core of the Cooroy community. The library is used from 6am each day with Yoga classes, open often until 10pm with conferences and meetings.
“There have been many twists and turns along the way, with changes in state governments, council amalgamations and de-amalgamations, but the Mill Board has always remained true to its original goal and the site today truly reflects that.”
Mill Board Secretary Carol Christensen said the entire Mill Place Precinct was built on the strength and goodwill of the Cooroy community and our local councils.
“The generous input of so many people over many years has helped us build this wonderful civic space,” Mrs Christensen said.
“The creativity and vision of Noosa District High School Year 9 students led to the formation of the Log Maze, we have had local artists with community consultation complete artistic storyboards showcasing to town’s timber milling history, and our local Land Care group helped plant out the creek,” she said.
“Our volunteers the ‘Friends of the Mill’ make an enormous contribution to the operation of the precinct, including the library, the retail store and the fusion festival, giving up to 500 hours per month of time to the continued operation of the precinct.
“It really is a great story about what this community has done for itself.”
Wythes Real Estate representative Samantha Hargrave said outstanding community assets such as the Lower Mill Precinct, in particular the Cooroy Library, were major drivers for people relocating to Cooroy.
“This community has a truly can-do attitude that brings people together and creates a sort of ‘magic’. It is not surprising that so many people, in particular young families, want to move here,” Ms Hargrave said.
“Fortunately we have great value real estate, such as the packages available at Erindale Park on Lake Macdonald Drive, where people can build their dream home in a beautiful location and become part of this very special community.”
Certainly the Cooroy Lower Mill Board would be keen to hear from newcomers to Cooroy.
“We welcome new ideas and input from the community, we want people to get involved,” Ms Christensen said.
Anyone in the community with an interest in the future of the Mill Precinct is encouraged to get involved and help shape its future. For more information contact: email info@lowermillsite.com.au
For more information about Erindale Park visit the website www.erindalepark.com.au and sign up for regular updates via our E-newsletter or contact Samantha Hargrave at Wythes Real Estate on 0417 750 507.