Fresh market bid

MARKET MANIA: Preparing themselves for the upcoming markets at Goupong Park in Collingwood Park are (from left) Andrew Price, Ron McCoombes, Cr Victor Atwood and Caroline McCoombes.

Rob Williams

IF Ron McCoombes and Andrew Price have their way almost 150 market stallholders and hundreds of shoppers will descend on Collingwood Park’s Goupong Park next weekend.

The pair has created a new attraction for the south-west corner between Ipswich and Brisbane, adding to a growing list of markets in and around Ipswich.

The Ipswich Central market in the mall has struggled to gain a foothold, but Ipswich City Council has pledged to help it maintain support.

The Collingwood Park market, on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, kicks off on September 11.

Mr McCoombes, who has run the Laidley and Gatton markets for the past 17 years, was optimistic about his new venture.

“There are 142 sites, and so far 75 have been booked,” Mr McCoombes said.

“We’re doing this because of demand from the community. It is what they want.

“There’s been a void in the area for markets since the Redbank Woollen Mill markets closed in the mid-90s.

“There was much disappointment from people in the area when they closed down.”

Mr Price has been running the Forest Lake markets for three years, and said many people had been asking him when he’d consider running a Saturday market.

“I’m finally doing it,” he said.

The pair has also been encouraged by the strong growth in the area, with Bellbird Park, Brookwater and Springfield all in close proximity.

Collingwood Park markets will feature quality fruit and vegetables from local farmers, as well as produce from Stanthorpe, Redland Bay, and northern NSW.

Also included will be Australian and multicultural hot food, homemade bakery products, cakes, cheese, jams, condiments, deli products, arts and crafts, handyman tools and hardware, plants, new clothes, hats, footwear, jewellery, incense and natural crystals.

Market hours will be from 7am until 1pm, with the first market to be launched on Saturday, September 11.

The markets will be held at Goupong Park, an Aboriginal name and sacred site, formerly used for child birth.

New stallholders are welcome to phone Mr Price on 0401 252 421 for inquiries.