COVID concerns derail tram terminus official opening

NewsCommunity

30 Mar

A disappointed Nambour Tramway Company  Chairman Greg Rogerson was gutted at having to postpone the event. — A disappointed Nambour Tramway Company Chairman Greg Rogerson was gutted at having to postpone the event.

Nambour was to get its first look at the new ‘Tram’ design at the official opening of Nambour’s Western Tram Terminus on Wednesday March 31.

Regrettably the opening had to be postponed because of COVID restrictions which made it impossible for people to gather.

Volunteers had worked for weeks to organise the opening.

A disappointed Nambour Tramway Company Chairman Greg Rogerson was gutted at having to call off the event.

Mr Rogerson said, when it happens, the opening will mark a huge milestone in the reimagining of the former sugar town, once the commercial hub of the Sunshine Coast.

Described by Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien as “a moving piece of street theatre” the battery powered, solar-regenerative tram is expected to be operational by April 2022, a build time of 12 months.

“This project is a great example of what can be achieved when governments and the community have a dream and work together to achieve it,” said Mr O’Brien.

“We’ve brought this attraction back to life and we look forward to seeing it trundling through Nambour for many years to come.

“I can’t wait to get on board this piece of street theatre and travel along the beautiful streets of Nambour.”

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said council was pleased to help provide a rich historical experience in Nambour.

“This heritage-listed tramline provides Nambour with a point of difference, it will help drive tourism and importantly support our local economy,” Mayor Jamieson said. “Nambour’s newest attraction is the result of many years of community effort to get the tramway on track.”

Despite the setback, Mr Rogerson said Nambour Tramway Co was as determined as ever to play its part in the reinvigoration of Nambour’s CBD.