Diablo Co, a successful brewery and distillery situated on the Sunshine Coast, faced obstacles due to the council's town planning scheme, leading the business to relocate to the Mary Valley. The owner, Dimitris Limnatitis, expressed frustration with the existing restrictions that limited their ability to expand and provide visitors with a unique "farm-to-bottle" experience. Despite the council's recommendation to move to an industrial estate, which could compromise the visitor experience, Diablo Co opted to search for a new location.
After exploring various options, Diablo Co found a suitable site at the old Cooloola Milk factory in Dagun in the Mary Valley, where they received a warm reception from the Gympie Regional Council. The Mayor welcomed the business with open arms, emphasizing the benefits it would bring to Gympie, including employment opportunities, increased tourism, and support for local farmers. Diablo Co has already established its presence in the Mary Valley, with plans to open to the public in the coming months, highlighting the smoother process experienced with relocating to a more supportive environment.
On the other hand, the Sunshine Coast Council, which promotes itself as a leading destination for micro-breweries and distillers, faced criticism for its town planning scheme's constraints on businesses like Diablo Co. Despite the council's efforts to provide assistance, Diablo Co's relocation shed light on the need for a more flexible approach to town planning to accommodate the growth and innovation of businesses in the region. The owner's hope is that his experience will prompt a reevaluation of the town planning system on the Sunshine Coast to better support businesses striving for success and growth.