General News
23 September, 2025
Business in stoush with TRC over works
AN Atherton business owner is considering taking legal action against Tablelands Regional Council over claims that his retail outlet has suffered significant financial loss as a result of works associated with the Priors Creek redevelopment.
Far North Office Choice owner Josh Jerome wrote to the council to express his “deep frustration and growing concern” about how the project’s works were affecting his business including an estimated $120,000 loss in foot traffic revenue since the development began.
“Despite repeated attempts to seek clarity and action, our store at 1 Jack Street, Atherton, continues to endure unacceptable conditions, and we have received no meaningful response or visible professionalism from council,” he wrote.
“From the outset, the temporary fencing, ongoing disarray, and lack of site management have made our premises look abandoned.”
He claims that:
a portion of his building remains physically damaged, caused by contractors removing a wall without addressing repairs;
the business has lost two designated parking bays as part of the development;
because the parking bays were lost, many of his elderly customers no longer bother coming in, further eroding trade and connection to the community.
“I have a thick skin and understand that construction comes with challenges. But this goes beyond normal operations; the lack of communication, site negligence, disregard for parking accessibility, and ongoing financial harm cross a line,” Mr Jerome said.
“The council’s customer service charter positions itself as responsive and supportive, yet our experience has been quite the opposite.”
Mr Jerome received a response to his email on 15 September but apart from advising him that contractors would be remediating his wall, it failed to address the parking bay losses and the loss of an estimated $120,000 in revenue.
He has since responded, saying he was “deeply disappointed” at council’s response which felt “dismissive, generic, and fails to address the hardship caused to a long-standing local business that employs locals and contributes significantly to the region’s economy and community events”.
“I remain open to a constructive conversation, but it must be one that acknowledges the real, measurable harm this development has caused and identifies tangible steps to mitigate it,” Mr Jerome said.
“I also want to highlight that our busiest trading period of the year begins on 3 November and runs right through until the second week of school starting in 2026.
“This period is critical for the survival of our retail store. Council’s poor planning and lack of direct communication with us will cause catastrophic financial impact if works continue or intensify during this time.
“Let me be absolutely clear – this problem is not going away. If works disrupt this peak season, I will be seeking full compensation for all loss of trade during this period in addition to the $100,000 already lost since this project began.
“Given the ongoing financial damage and the lack of a satisfactory resolution, I will now be taking this matter further. This includes seeking legal advice regarding council’s liability for the damages caused.”
The Express asked the council to respond to Mr Jerome’s claims and received a one-line response from Infrastructure and Environment general manager Mark Vis.
“We are working with the business and building owners regarding their concerns with a view to reaching an agreed outcome,” he said in a statement.
Mr Jerome said he understood council had the responsibility of delivering infrastructure but it must do so while safeguarding surrounding livelihoods.
“Every day that passes without remediation deepens the financial and emotional strain on us,” he said.
