Grantham community store welcomes first customer
Published Saturday, 30 April, 2011 at 02:01 PM
Premier and Minister for Reconstruction
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Mick and Sandy Halliday’s community store in Grantham is back up and running and has today welcomed its first customer through the door after nearly three months out of action.
The original store was inundated by floodwaters on 10 January this year, but the Halliday’s hard work and determination, and a little help from Lockyer Valley Regional Council and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA), have seen a temporary building erected close by.
“It’s been a lot of hard work for us and we’ve put everything in to this new building but I’m very grateful for the help we’ve had from the Council and the QRA,” Mick said.
Council’s community consultation process with Grantham residents, the ‘Strengthening Grantham Workshops’, identified that getting the shop back up and running was one of the highest priorities when rebuilding the town to its former glory.
Queensland Premier and Reconstruction Minister Anna Bligh said the opening of a humble store in a quiet community could easily go unnoticed, but this was an important milestone for all to cherish.
“Mick and Sandy’s store is Grantham’s gathering place, it’s part of the town’s soul, and the ‘open for business’ sign tells the world that Grantham is fighting back.
“This has been made possible by the tremendous rebuilding spirit from so many groups - generous corporate sponsors, hardworking council staff and a dedicated band of public servants, especially from the Reconstruction Authority.
“Special legislation is making it possible to accelerate rebuilding a better safer Grantham.
“The development assessment for this store took just days instead of months with the QRA and the Council working together to fast track the process.
“The shop opening is just a start and by year’s end we hope to have Grantham residents in new homes in a whole new part of town,” she said.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Steve Jones said it was essential that the store start operating again.
“It’s what the residents want, so that means it’s good for the town,” he said.
“Council and the QRA assisted with the facilitation of the location, building and provision of services to the new building – the Council workers were here just last week digging holes to connect the building to the sewer system.”
Queensland Reconstruction Authority Chair Major General Mick Slater congratulated Grantham and the Hallidays for their dedication.
“Nomad Business Solutions, Lucky 7 and so many corporate citizens have made this happen,” he said.
“This just shows what can be done when Aussies help each other in need. All involved can share in what we hope will be many reconstruction milestones.”
28 companies in all have played a role to get the store open, including: Nomad Building Solutions (which supplied the building), Cambells Wholesale, Crimsafe Security Screen , Coca Cola, Wrigley, Peters, Mars, Mrs Mac, Nestle, Essential Slush Company, Goodman Fielding, Mac Pies.
“An amazing effort and great to see big-time grocery names getting behind courageous shopkeepers Mick and Sandy Halliday and the people of Grantham,” he said.
The new store is located at 24 Anzac Avenue, Grantham.
Ends.
MEDIA: Premier’s office: 3224 4500
The original store was inundated by floodwaters on 10 January this year, but the Halliday’s hard work and determination, and a little help from Lockyer Valley Regional Council and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA), have seen a temporary building erected close by.
“It’s been a lot of hard work for us and we’ve put everything in to this new building but I’m very grateful for the help we’ve had from the Council and the QRA,” Mick said.
Council’s community consultation process with Grantham residents, the ‘Strengthening Grantham Workshops’, identified that getting the shop back up and running was one of the highest priorities when rebuilding the town to its former glory.
Queensland Premier and Reconstruction Minister Anna Bligh said the opening of a humble store in a quiet community could easily go unnoticed, but this was an important milestone for all to cherish.
“Mick and Sandy’s store is Grantham’s gathering place, it’s part of the town’s soul, and the ‘open for business’ sign tells the world that Grantham is fighting back.
“This has been made possible by the tremendous rebuilding spirit from so many groups - generous corporate sponsors, hardworking council staff and a dedicated band of public servants, especially from the Reconstruction Authority.
“Special legislation is making it possible to accelerate rebuilding a better safer Grantham.
“The development assessment for this store took just days instead of months with the QRA and the Council working together to fast track the process.
“The shop opening is just a start and by year’s end we hope to have Grantham residents in new homes in a whole new part of town,” she said.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Steve Jones said it was essential that the store start operating again.
“It’s what the residents want, so that means it’s good for the town,” he said.
“Council and the QRA assisted with the facilitation of the location, building and provision of services to the new building – the Council workers were here just last week digging holes to connect the building to the sewer system.”
Queensland Reconstruction Authority Chair Major General Mick Slater congratulated Grantham and the Hallidays for their dedication.
“Nomad Business Solutions, Lucky 7 and so many corporate citizens have made this happen,” he said.
“This just shows what can be done when Aussies help each other in need. All involved can share in what we hope will be many reconstruction milestones.”
28 companies in all have played a role to get the store open, including: Nomad Building Solutions (which supplied the building), Cambells Wholesale, Crimsafe Security Screen , Coca Cola, Wrigley, Peters, Mars, Mrs Mac, Nestle, Essential Slush Company, Goodman Fielding, Mac Pies.
“An amazing effort and great to see big-time grocery names getting behind courageous shopkeepers Mick and Sandy Halliday and the people of Grantham,” he said.
The new store is located at 24 Anzac Avenue, Grantham.
Ends.
MEDIA: Premier’s office: 3224 4500