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Twiga Books, in Gympie, has survived floods and a pandemic.
But owner Lorraine Broadley says day-to-day costs of running the bookstore may be what finally brings it down.
“The average retail shop has quite a lot of electricity, and our prices have definitely gone up. And in the book industry, the margins have got thinner and thinner."
Data from the Queensland Competition Authority shows power prices jumped by 27 per cent for small businesses in Queensland in 2023, and 29 per cent for households.
The Coalition is making a bold pitch to voters which it says will bring prices back down - to build nuclear reactors on the sites of retired coal-fired power plants in seven locations across Australia.
It's something Ms Broadley would be open to if it can bring down bills.
"I personally don't think that it's a huge problem. I know the cost of it could be difficult but, you know, we haven't fared too well under what's going on, because the costs have gone through the roof as far as renewables go anyway."
Gympie, two hours away from Brisbane, is no stranger to renewables.
Already hosting the 500-hectare Woolooga Solar Farm, with major hydro and wind projects planned for the region.
"One of the concerns we have here is that we have giant solar farms impacting our beautiful natural environment, marching across farmland, marching through proposed subdivisions. I actually feel we're going a little bit far, I know we've got the climate impact pressing heavily, but I think we really do need a mix and I'd be prepared to support a nuclear solution."
Nationals leader David Littleproud is one of the loudest backers of the $300 billion nuclear pitch.
"From being on the ground, it's overwhelmingly supported, because they see a future that's not one that's littered with transmission lines, solar panels and wind turbines, where the best jobs are probably polishing solar panels, and very few of them. They can see that nearly 80 per cent of those that work in the coal-fired power station they're in can transition across to a nuclear power plant, and there's more jobs and higher paying jobs. And so, that's the opportunity that those communities are seeing in us living up to our international commitments but having an energy mix."
The Coalition says adding nuclear to the nation's power production mix will reduce energy bills and is critical to reach net zero carbon emissions.
It says the first reactor would be ready by 2035, five years sooner than the Commonwealth's science agency, CSIRO, says a plant could be built.
The current moratorium on nuclear power would also need be lifted, requiring both houses of parliament to vote in favour of the plan.
And in the interim, Mr Littleproud says, will be a continued reliance on fossil fuels.
"So the short term to bring down your energy bill is gas. Because you can get gas into the grid very quickly."
Although David Littleproud still has not offered any clarity on when power bills would decrease, or by how much, under the Coalition's plan.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen doesn't believe it will reduce prices.
"Their policy, as independent experts have looked at it, because nuclear is so expensive would force energy prices up."
In the safe LNP (Liberal National Party) seat of Wide Bay, opinions on how to power Australia are mixed.
Some support renewables, with solar installed in half of Queensland's homes.
"I like solar power, I like water power, but I don't like electric cars. I've got solar power on my house."
"My thoughts of renewables are definitely need improving and enhancing."
"Why are we putting money into it if the solar panels then when they're dead they just go into landfill anyway?"
"I think it's definitely the way of the future, it's the way we have to go, and I think it's fantastic."
Whilst many are open to including nuclear in the future.
"Oh don't think it's to be dismissed. I think it needs to have a fair hearing."
"Definitely not, definitely not. Nup. Not approving of it."
"They've already got the coal fire places, the safety guards now are huge, and the benefits are a lot. "
"Not too keen on that, yeah. It's very unstable, I don't like, I don't like the potential outcomes for the environment with it. Yeah, to me, there's a lot more, there are other options that are out there. Yeah that one worries me."
"I'm actually not opposed to nuclear, done in the right way I think it's pretty safe these days."
Paul Williams, from Griffith University, says opinions in Queensland don't necessarily reflect the broader sentiment in Australia.
"Opinion polls tell us that most Australians are opposed to Peter Dutton's nuclear policy, but in Queensland, it's a very different case. We know that Queensland is much more receptive of conservative, Liberal National Party policies, and particularly Peter Dutton. Peter Dutton is popular in Queensland, particularly in the regions. So particularly in regional Queensland, where coal has obviously been the lifeblood of Queensland energy. I can see voters there really gravitating to Peter Dutton's nuclear policy."
But with every seat important to the major parties, securing strong support for nuclear in LNP heartland is critical for a potential Coalition victory.
