New markets are on

IF Ron McCoombes and Andrew Price have their way, almost 150 market stall holders will descend on Collingwood Park's Goupong Park next weekend.

The pair will launch a new weekly market for the south-west corner between Ipswich and Brisbane, making it the only Saturday market in the area.

The event will be held on the second and fourth Saturday of each month and kicks off on September 11.

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

“There are 142 sites, and so far 75 have been booked,” he 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 Woolen 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 have also been encouraged by the strong growth in the area, with Bellbird Park, Brookwater and Springfield all in the vicinity.

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

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.

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