Tram project on track as terminus complete

Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien MP, Sunshine Coast Council Division 10 Councillor David Law and TNT Co Chair Greg Rogerson.

Nambour’s newest attraction has moved a step closer to completion, with the $840,000 works on the highly anticipated Nambour Heritage Tramway Depot (terminus) building complete and works underway on the tramway tracks.

The terminus, located near the Nambour Mill Village Shopping Centre in Mill St, also includes an information centre.

Sunshine Coast Council Division 10 Councillor David Law said the construction of the terminus was the vital first step in bringing the Nambour Heritage Tramway project to life.

“Innovations like this are critical to supporting our local economy and proof of what can be achieved when a passionate group of locals commits to contributing to Nambour’s future viability, supported by council and the Australian Government” Cr Law said.

Cr Law thanked former Sunshine Coast Council Division 10 Councillor Greg Rogerson for his vision, determination and persistence to help bring the project to fruition.

Mr Rogerson said reactivating the heritage-listed tramline through the centre of Nambour would provide the town with an exciting point of difference.

“When global travel is back on the agenda, there will be tram and railway buffs coming from around the world to experience what we will offer here,” Mr Rogerson said.

“No doubt this unique project also will draw plenty of local attention and we look forward to ensuring a great experience for all our future visitors. Whilst the construction of the tram and establishment of the tramway track is still months away from completion, we’ve already got a real treat for those who visit the information centre once it’s able to open.

“It’s now home to the Petrie Locomotive which was gifted to The Nambour Tramway Co by Bundaberg Sugar in 2014 and has been housed and displayed since then at the Nambour Museum.

“Petrie was purchased by the Moreton Central Sugar Mill in 1968 to complete its change-over from steam to diesel locos and remains in full working order.”

The construction of the Depot has been jointly funded by Council and a $500,000 Australian Government grant awarded through the National Stronger Regions Fund.

Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien MP said  projects funded under the National Stronger Regions Fund are designed to deliver an economic benefit to the region beyond the period of construction. “And there is no doubt this project will drive tourism in the area,” Mr O’Brien said.

Project Background 

• Council’s contribution to the project is $2.26 million (including terminus building funding) and TNT Co have committed $1.4 million (including a $1 million pledge from philanthropists Roy and Nola Thompson, with the remaining funds provided by private donors and proceeds from the Nambour Tramfest).

• The tram, which will run between the Tram Terminus in Mill St, adjacent to the old sugar mill site (now the Nambour Mill Village Shopping Centre) to the southern end of Quota Park, (between Repco and Aldi), along Mill and Howard Streets and is expected to be operational by 2021.

• TNT Co’s aspirations include currently-unfunded future stages that could eventually connect the tram to the Nambour Showgrounds.

• The project is governed by a Heads of Agreement between Council and TNT Co.

• Once open to the public, the Nambour Tram Terminus will also include a visitor and community information centre, commercial kitchen, indoor and outdoor events space, static and interactive display and offer commercial opportunities for local businesses.

• The proposed tram will be of heritage style, run on a 610mm gauge, solar powered electric battery model.

• There will be no electric overhead cables and once operational the tram will be running on a heritage rail line.

• Volunteers can email volunteers@nambourtram.com.au or phone (07) 5441 8674.