by Janine Hill

A council report on the Nambour Place Plan says there was 94 percent support for the streetscaping plan.

However, while 69 percent of the 446 people who provided feedback on the plan last year did indeed support the overall plan put forward, almost a third were not entirely convinced. Twenty-five percent said they would support it if there were changes and six percent were not in favour of it at all.

The plan looks at upgrades at five key points in the middle of town: the Currie, Howard and Mill Streets intersection; Mill Street; Bury Street and the council forecourt; Howard Street between Ann and Sydney Streets; and the Ann and Low Street intersection. 

It includes some raised crossings, seating, street plantings, and making Bury Street one-way between Mill Street and Currie Street.

An engagement report says the plan aims to “improve the centre’s streetscapes, facilitate a diverse range and scale of events, and bring new playful experiences, journeys and cultural connections to the community”. 

The engagement plan does not specifically say what changes 25 percent of people wanted to the overall plan but does refer to “emerging themes”. 

A statement provided on behalf of a council spokesperson said some of the desired changes included improved footpaths, safety when crossing streets, slower traffic and improved sight lines. 

Other changes people wanted included the retention of street parking and traffic flow in the town centre, although they also welcomed more active transport routes.

They wanted more trees and plantings to create cool, shady streets and a plan which highlighted heritage, character and a village feel. Requested changes also included support for local independent shops and services to add to the town as a convenient local destination.

The statement said these changes “formed the basis for the emerging themes” contained in the engagement report.

The spokesperson gave an assurance that the council would look at the conditions upon which people said they would support the plan.

“All responses, including the 25 percent who supported the plan if further considerations were taken into account, will be considered carefully, and the Place Plan will be developed so that it responds in a balanced way to community feedback,” the spokesperson said.

The engagement report did not analyse the responses of different ages, genders and user groups to the plan.  

The project team was continuing to review and consider feedback along with technical studies and budget constraints, the spokesperson said, and would provide “more detail on the demographic feedback and how this feedback has been incorporated”. 

• The final plan is due for release later this year.  Details: haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/nambour-place-plan