HOME IMPROVEMENT & REAL ESTATE FEATURE Spring into the garden at Forest Heart
Grevillea.
Callicoma.
SPRING has arrived, and there’s something about the warmer days, fresh new growth and bursts of colour that makes us want to get back out into the garden! At Forest Heart ecoNursery, our benches are full and looking fabulous in preparation for a bountiful spring growing season. We have vibrant Kangaroo Paws putting on a spectacular show, flowering native shrubs buzzing with pollinators, an amazing diversity of groundcovers, and Grevilleas in a wonderful range of colours, shapes and sizes. Whether you’re creating a new garden, filling a few gaps, creating a wildlife friendly space for pollinators and other animals, or simply looking for something beautiful to brighten your space, spring is a wonderful time to plant. It’s also the perfect time
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Hibbertia.
to give established gardens a little love. As plants move into their active growing season, consider applying a suitable slow-release fertiliser to provide the nutrients they need for healthy new growth and flowering. A fresh layer of mulch is another great spring garden job. Mulching helps protect and feed the soil, retain moisture as the weather warms, moderate soil temperatures and suppress those enthusiastic spring weeds. So pull on the gardening gloves and make the most of this wonderful growing season. Come in and wander the benches at Forest Heart — there’s plenty of spring colour, diversity and inspiration waiting for you! You can also find us at the Maleny Spring Fair on Saturday 3rd October at Maleny Showgrounds.
Just the right fix for locals SPRING is a busy time around the home and garden, and Beerwah’s Co-op has spent the past decade making sure its range keeps pace with the district. While Coochin Creek Fruitgrowers’ Co-operative celebrates 90 years this month, the Co-op is no longer a store aimed only at commercial growers. Its Garden Centre, opened in 2020, has become an important part of the business, stocking plants and seedlings alongside potting mixes, sugar cane mulch, fertilisers, garden tools, pots, stakes and lawn and garden treatments. For bigger jobs, the Simpson Street store carries an extensive irrigation range, including pipe, fittings, sprinklers and drainage products, as well as rural fencing, wire and other property supplies. Inside, customers will find thousands of hardware lines covering everything
from plumbing repairs and adhesives to hand tools, automotive products and everyday maintenance jobs. The Co-op still retains its rural roots, with commercial fertilisers, seeds, poultry feed and specialist agricultural products also part of the mix. But one of its biggest strengths remains the service that comes with the sale. Many staff have been with the business for years, giving customers the chance to ask questions, compare options and get practical help rather than simply wandering the aisles. For those who prefer to shop from home, the Co-op launched its online store last year, offering online ordering and Click & Collect. Now serving about 30,000 customers each month, the Co-op enters its 90th year looking forward while continuing to offer the service that has kept locals coming back.
Glasshouse Country & Maleny News, Tuesday September 22, 2026 PAGE 13
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Ready for a spring refresh? Start outside AS the days get warmer and gardens burst back into life, spring is the perfect time to give your home’s exterior some attention too. After months of cooler weather, dirt, mould, grime and weather staining can leave walls, driveways, windows and outdoor areas looking tired. A professional house wash can make a dramatic difference, helping restore your home’s appearance and giving it that fresh, clean look ready for the months ahead. Adam from Adam’s Pressure Washing specialises in house washing for homes and businesses across the
Hinterland, delivering professional results with care and attention to detail. From mould and weatherstained walls to dirty windows, driveways and neglected outdoor areas, Adam can help bring your property back to life.
Every job is tailored to suit the property and its individual surfaces, ensuring a thorough clean while helping protect your home’s Anthony and Irene, your Paint Place experts.
exterior from the build-up of grime and mould. “It’s more than just cleaning – it’s about restoring pride in your property and creating a cleaner, healthier environment,” Adam says. With spring providing the perfect opportunity to tackle those outdoor jobs, why not put exterior cleaning on your home improvement list? Free, no-obligation quotes are available. Call Adam’s Pressure Washing on 0437 732 628 and give your home a fresh start this spring.
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Spring has sprung so have the weeds By Coochie Hydrogreen Lawn Services MOST years, spring is about waking your lawn back up. This year, a lot of local lawns never really went to sleep — our wetter than normal winter kept weeds ticking along nicely, and now that the sun’s out and temperatures are climbing, they’re not just waking up, they’re taking off. Bindii, clover, and weeds generally that quietly established themselves over those damp months are now getting a growth spurt right alongside your lawn, and they’ve had a head start. If they were left untreated through winter, spring warmth is exactly what lets them go to seed and spread even further, so this is the
window to get on top of them before they set up shop for another year. At the same time, your lawn itself is hungry. After a wet winter, soil can be low on nutrients, and grass coming out of a slower growth period needs the right feed to bounce back thick and healthy rather than patchy. A good spring fertilise now does double duty — it gives your lawn the strength to outcompete weeds and sets you up for a lawn you’ll actually want to spend time on once the warmer months properly arrive. Our advice for Glass House Mountains, Hinterland, and Beerwah homeowners: don’t assume winter weeds have run their course just because the season’s changed
— check what’s actually happening in your lawn, and get ahead of it now before the weeds take control. With Christmas and those long, sunny school holiday days on the horizon, there’s nothing better than family and friends kicking back on a lawn that actually looks the part. A bit of attention now means it’s ready well before the backyard cricket and Boxing Day gatherings kick off. We’ve grown to two trucks on the road since we started, which means we can now get to more lawns across the region, sooner. If your lawn’s had a rough winter, we’re always happy to have a chat — give us a call on 0448 884 208 or drop us a line at ghm@coochie. com.au.
Spring into your next paint project SPRING is the perfect time to look around the home and tackle those painting and renovation jobs that have been sitting on the to-do list. Whether you’re freshening up tired walls, giving the exterior a new lease on life, restoring timber or tackling a bigger renovation, the team at Paint Place Beerwah can help you get started with the right products and advice. Owned by Anthony Austin, who brings a lifetime of experience in
the paint industry, Paint Place Beerwah has been helping Hinterland locals with projects big and small for more than 20 years. The long-standing team can help with everything from colour selection and finishes to working out what preparation is needed for problem surfaces. The store stocks an extensive range of quality paints and accessories, including Australianowned brands such as Haymes, Concept, Norglass Marine and Luxury
Paints, as well as products for decorative, textured, automotive, industrial, marine and woodcare
projects. Computer colour
matching also makes it easier to achieve the right shade for your home. And if that peeling, bubbling or flaking wall has you thinking, “I’ll just paint over it,” take a photo in first. The team can help work out what’s actually going on and recommend the right preparation and products. Find Paint Place Beerwah at Shop 3, 28 Simpson Street, or call 5439 0999.
SHOP
HAYMES PAINT is
AUSTRALIAN
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Pour your support into the local community. Paint Place Beerwah 28 Simpson Street, Beerwah
Ph. 5439 0999
Mon - Fri 7:30am–4:30pm, Sat 8:00am–12:00pm PAGE 14 Glasshouse Country & Maleny News, Tuesday September 22, 2026
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Glasshouse Country & Maleny News, Tuesday September 22, 2026 PAGE 15
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A fresh season, a fresh look for your floors By Aussie Carpets & Vinyl SPRING draws inspiration from earthy browns, warm timber tones and deep rusty hues, beautifully balanced with soft neutrals for a relaxed and inviting feel. Natural textures and layered warmth are also making their way into our homes, creating spaces that feel grounded, considered and effortlessly cosy. If you’re thinking about
giving your home a fresh new look this spring, why not start from the ground up? The locals are already in the know, but for all the new residents moving to town, Aussie Carpets & Vinyl’s showroom is conveniently located across the road from the Beerwah Hotel and Burson’s.
And we’re much more than just a flooring shop! Aussie Carpets & Vinyl has been helping locals transform their homes with carpet, vinyl, tiles, custommade curtains and blinds. We have all the latest styles, colours and textures, along with some of the best flooring advice around. Our measure and
quote is completely FREE, and as a bonus, you’ll also receive Peter’s informative consultation and commonsense approach, also FREE! For those looking for peace of mind, you’ll be pleased to know that Peter is not only there to help you choose the right products, but is also your professional installer of vinyl planks, carpet and blinds. Both Peter and I believe in providing friendly, honest
advice. Hearing our customers tell us how much they appreciate the before and after service we provide makes all the hard work worthwhile. So, if spring has you inspired to give your home a fresh new look, pop in and see us. We’d love to help you find the perfect flooring, curtains or blinds to make your home feel fresh, comfortable and ready for the season ahead. Aussie Carpets & Vinyl
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Billie greeting visitors at the showroom.
— local advice, quality products and service you can trust since 2008.
Don’t let trees become storm hazards WITH the start of spring and the warmer weather heralding the approach of storm and fire season, homeowners are being encouraged to look around their properties and address potential hazards before severe weather and increased fire risk become a concern. Hinterland Tree & Stump Removal recommends starting with the trees. Dead or damaged branches, leaning trees, overhanging limbs and vegetation growing too close to homes, driveways or powerlines can all become
hazards during strong winds. Falling branches and trees can cause significant property damage, block access and potentially bring down powerlines.
Warmer weather also means increased activity from snakes, rats and other pests. Clearing dense vegetation, unwanted trees and overgrown areas can
reduce potential hiding spots and make outdoor areas easier and safer for the family to enjoy. Home security is another consideration. Overgrown trees can block views around a property, create dark corners and reduce visibility from inside the home. Removing intrusive vegetation can improve sightlines, allow more natural light into the yard and create a more open feel. For homeowners planning landscaping, drainage, plumbing or pool projects, tree and stump removal can
also improve access and provide trades with more room to work. Palm trees deserve attention too, with falling fronds potentially creating a messy and hazardous problem. Hinterland Tree & Stump Removal owner Wayne recommends always engaging a professional tree company that uses appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and carries valid insurance. For advice or tree removal, contact Hinterland Tree & Stump Removal on 0477 732 170.
Forest Heart
ecoNursery
The LITTLE NATIVE plant nursery with BIG BIODIVERSITY!
zCARPET zVINYL zTILES zBLINDS SHOP 3/15 FREE STREET, BEERWAH
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PAGE 16 Glasshouse Country & Maleny News, Tuesday September 22, 2026
Ask us about our Forest Heart Education Sessions 2 n d Saturday/month
native plants, bush foods, fruit trees, books and gift ware, reveg and gardening materials VISIT US AT 20 CORAL ST, MALENY Q 07 5435 2193 WWW.FORESTHEART.COM.AU www.gcnews.com.au
Weather doesn’t plan but you can
TREE REMOVAL TREE PRUNING & TRIMMING EMERGENCY RESPONSE & STORM DAMAGE BEE HIVE REMOVAL PALM CLEANING & REMOVAL DIFFICULT ACCESS SPECIALISTS STUMP GRINDING MULCH SALES
GET MORE CUT FOR YOUR BUCK Trusted | Experienced | Insured
Call Wayne 0477 732 170 hinterlandtreessunshinecoast.com follow our socials
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Glasshouse Country & Maleny News, Tuesday September 22, 2026 PAGE 17
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PAGE 18 Glasshouse Country & Maleny News, Tuesday September 22, 2026
in November 2024, local AS the weather warms uncle-and-nephew duo up and Spring gets into full Nick and Isaac Duggan have swing, it is the perfect time continued to transform the to give your garden some business, expanding its attention – and Duggans range for gardeners, tradies, Mitre 10 Mooloolah Valley DIY enthusiasts and local has the supplies to help get your outdoor spaces looking families. their best. For a limited time, customers can pick up Searles Potting Mix 50L with eight-month fertiliser for just $13.95 each, while Searles Sugar Cane Mulch is $12.95 each. The offers are available until October 11, 2026, making now a great time to stock up and get planting. From Garden centre at refreshing Mooloolah store. garden beds Upgrades have included and adding mulch to potting a dedicated paint mixing up new plants, Spring is an ideal season to invest in your station, an expanded garden and prepare it for the garden centre, pool supplies and water testing, plus warmer months ahead. an extensive timber and Since taking over the landscaping yard stocked Mooloolah Valley store
with products including sleepers, posts, framing timber, gravel, sand, mulch and premium garden soils. The Duggans have also recently taken over the longestablished Woodford Home & Hardware, which is now operating as Duggans Mitre 10 Woodford at 98 Archer Street. With a focus on value, convenience and local service, Duggans is continuing to grow while supporting the communities it serves. Visit Duggans Mitre 10 at 4 Bray Road, Mooloolah Valley, and get your garden Spring-ready.
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A strategic approach to presale preparation Spring is a good time to review your lending Jo Daley, McGrath Beerwah THE weather is warming up, the garden has come to life, and your home has had a thorough spring clean. You’re excited to finally be on the market, but once inspections start, the feedback isn’t quite what you were hoping to hear. Suddenly, those odd jobs you’d stopped noticing and the “I’ll do it tomorrow” tasks that never got done are among the first things buyers see. “Strategic pre-sale preparation is something I talk through with sellers
By Stan Nawrocki, Lending Specialist before we even go to market,” says Jo Daley, sales agent at McGrath Beerwah. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all checklist. Rather, it’s about understanding the property itself, identifying what is already presenting well and what may be worth addressing.” For some sellers, that may mean tidying gardens, pressure washing exteriors or cleaning gutters. For others, it might involve painting, a kitchen or bathroom refresh, or attending to overdue repairs that could improve first impressions and, in turn, strengthen buyer’s
confidence in your home. Jo says the key is knowing where to focus. “There can be a big difference between what could be done and what is actually worth doing. We can help sellers talk through the options, identify priorities, help shape a practical plan, and connect them with local tradespeople we know and have worked with before.” If you’re considering selling and would like to talk through what preparing your property for market could involve, contact Jo Daley at McGrath Beerwah on 0481 322 770.
SPRING is traditionally a busy time for property. More homes come onto the market, buyers become more active, and many homeowners begin thinking about renovating, refinancing or purchasing an investment property. Whether you are planning to buy your first home, move to another property or invest, it helps to understand your borrowing position before making an offer. Knowing approximately how much you may be able to borrow, what deposit you will need and the likely repayments
can make the process less stressful. An early conversation can help you approach the property market with confidence and a clearer budget. For existing homeowners, Spring can also be a good time to review your current home loan. Your circumstances may have changed since the loan was arranged, and different lending options may now be available. A review can help determine whether your current rate, repayments and loan features still suit your needs. It may also identify opportunities to restructure debts or improve the way your loan is set up. Self-employed borrowers should allow extra time to prepare. Having recent
tax returns, financial statements and business information ready can make it easier to assess the available options. Remember, the most suitable loan is not always the one with the lowest advertised rate. Fees, repayment flexibility, offset accounts and your longerterm plans should also be considered. I can help with home loans, refinancing, investment loans, personal loans, car loans and SMSF property loans. Need a loan or want a better rate? Let’s see what’s available. Contact your lending specialist, Stan Nawrocki at LJ Hooker Home Loans Sunshine Coast & Wide Bay. Phone 0418 154 357.
/&&% " -0"/ 8"/5 " #&55&3 3"5& -&5 4 4&& 8)"5 4 "7"*-"#-& I CAN ALSO HELP WITH: Investment loans Personal loans Car loans SMSF loans
Stan Nawrocki Lending Specialist
LET'S GET STARTED
SCAN TO TEXT STAN OR CALL STAN
0418 154 357
LJ Hooker Home Loans Sunshine Coast & Wide Bay
Stan Nawrocki CRN 371372 is a Credit Representative under Australian Credit Licence No 380270 LJ Hooker Home Loans Pty Ltd ACN 106564765.
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Glasshouse Country & Maleny News, Tuesday September 22, 2026 PAGE 19
John McGrath – First home buyers’ new position in today’s market First home buyers are facing the same market correction as more experienced property purchasers. Federal Budget investment changes have impacted their situation, as has the national First Home Guarantee, which was expanded in October 2025. Most buyers also remain cautious as cost-of-living pressures slightly while interest rates have remained unchanged at 4.35% for two consecutive Reserve Bank of Australia meetings. We’re continuing to experience a very hot rental market with this month’s Home Value Index from Cotality showing the 1.9% national vacancy rate in August is the highest since January 2025. But there may be some good news in these record high rental numbers with Cotality’s research director, Tim Lawless, noting they may prove a constraint to rents rising further. There was more good news in the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ latest lending indicator report. While the number of owner-occupier 2.9% in the June quarter, the total value of
these loans declined by just 0.2%. There was also no change to these loan commitments between April 2025 and June 2026. Let’s look at the Federal Budget changes too, as the government’s key goal with their new policies and opportunities to enter the market. These changes have resulted in a decline in investor enquiries with all of the Big 4 Lenders reporting investor loan application drops of around 17% to 28% since the budget announcement on May 12. What is also schemes. This includes the national First Home ! " known, the 5% Deposit Scheme. Introduced in January 2020, this assistance scheme has undergone some major changes since October. Income and availability caps have been removed, along with Lenders Mortgage Insurance, and property price thresholds have increased. The basics of the home buyers able to purchase a property with only a 5% deposit, with the federal government acting as guarantor.
But while these changes make the scheme # them to be mindful of their budgets and not overextend themselves. It’s also a good idea to factor in future rate rises as a safety precaution. $ home buyer guarantees. In further good news for these buyers, the correcting market has essentially given all buyers a discount on property prices, compared to listings from even six months ago. Less competition will also help buyers in this market downturn. Historically speaking, we are already very home buyers should obtain pre-approved & while sticking as close as possible to their budget.
John McGrath, McGrath Estate Agents
More than Property Management. Experience the McGrath difference today.
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Coast & Hinterland PAGE 20 Glasshouse Country & Maleny News, Tuesday September 22, 2026
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Spring Rental Market: Low Supply, Strong Demand and Why Pricing Still Matters As we move into spring, the Sunshine Coast rental market is presenting an interesting picture for property owners, one that’s worth understanding clearly rather than reacting to at face value. year ago and vacancy rates continue to sit well below what would traditionally be considered a balanced !" # $ % & '() ) " * At the same time, some short-term rental price indicators are showing a degree of easing. SQM Research data for postcode 4551 for the week ending 4 September 2026 shows asking rents down over the rolling month and quarter across most property types. But the longer view tells a more encouraging story. Over 12 months, combined rents in 4551 are up 6.1%, with houses up 7.2% and units up 4.0% annually. Twobedroom units are showing particularly strong long-term performance, up 8.9% per annum over seven years and 7.3% over ten. / : " : ; < Tenants today have greater visibility over competing properties online and they are making more considered decisions about value, presentation and what they are willing to pay. Some of the short-term heat coming out of asking rents is a natural part of that recalibration, not a sign of underlying weakness.
What we are seeing on the ground
= > ? @ D ) E current market is that simply listing a property and waiting for applications isn’t enough. Professional ) ) : F ; $ $ E We monitor every leasing campaign closely and we don’t wait weeks to act if something isn’t converting. If enquiry isn’t translating into inspections or applications, we want to understand why quickly and make adjustments. The goal isn’t simply to achieve the highest advertised weekly rent. It is to achieve the best overall return for our owners by balancing rent level, vacancy time and the quality of the tenant securing the property. A positive outlook for spring The fundamentals of the Sunshine Coast rental market remain genuinely encouraging for investors. Limited supply, strong long-term rent growth and continued population movement into our region all support a healthy outlook for well-managed investment properties heading into the warmer months. The properties achieving the strongest outcomes this spring will increasingly be those that are priced ) F F F ; ; If you’d like to understand how your property is positioned in the current market or receive an up-to-date rental appraisal, our team is always happy to help. At McGrath Coast and Hinterland, our goal remains to be the Sunshine Coast’s best Property Management team, by providing modern systems, personal ) F F " J > E )
Deb Fleming | New Business Consultant 0488 771 626
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Sources: SQM Research Weekly Rents Index, week ending 4 September 2026. REIQ Residential Vacancy Rate Report, June Quarter 2026. RTA (rta.qld.gov.au).
Affordable storage now available in Beerwah Lease now to get half price on your first month Are you looking for secure storage on the Sunshine Coast? We have a range of affordable storage sheds now available at Biondi Crescent in the Beerwah Industrial Estate, starting from just $140 per month. Whether you need to free up some space or store your extra belongings, we have a size to suit every need. 24-hour surveillance Two large automatic access gates Sheds double locked Located off the Steve Irwin Way 24/7 access available Range of shed sizes available Lease before Oct 31 to receive 50% off first month McGrath Beerwah | 07 5405 3628
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Glasshouse Country & Maleny News, Tuesday September 22, 2026 PAGE 21