Momentum is building around calls for action to improve parking and calm traffic in Nambour’s CBD, according to the organiser of a feedback survey that has attracted about 1000 signatures. 

Local shopkeeper Deb Lawson reignited the long-term issue recently with the survey which she handed to Div 10 Cr David Law last week. Cr Law is right on board with ideas to improve CBD parking and traffic flow.

Ms Lawson says Nambour has been ignored for too long. 

She welcomed recent comments by Transport Minister Mark Bailey that the State would look  at options for improving pedestrian experience and increasing parking. 

Options include calming traffic at either end of town, looking at parking and traffic routing, and improving traffic lights sequencing.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) says it is in the early stages of investigating road user improvements to Currie Street, including car parking and pedestrian connectivity options.

TMR is undertaking these investigations in consultation with the Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) as part of its Nambour place revitalisation project.

Ms Lawson said she had noticed movement on the ground with more parking inspector sightings and reports Council’s new ParkSmart vehicle would be trialled in town. Council says the parking monitoring vehicle, equipped with number plate recognition technology, “encourages vehicle turnover to create parking opportunities”.

While parking fines are never popular Ms Lawson says parking regulation was a necessary part of the mix to deter people parking in valuable spots all day. 

However, a multi-storey car park is what is most needed to accommodate parking for, not just shoppers and pedestrians, but employees currently parking in the street for lack of options. 

Ms Lawson says an obvious location would be the car park at the corner of Howard and Sydney Streets which would compliment the existing C-Square facility. 

“People have been talking about that for 15 years,” said Ms Lawson. “In any case something needs to be done. Nothing is more vital to the health of a town’s main street and its businesses than convenient parking.”

Meanwhile Council is revisiting Nambour’s Local Area Parking Plan. That plan aims to make better use of existing car parking infrastructure and proposes a range of  initiatives to increase management at observed “hot spots”.

“There are things happening,” said Ms Lawson. “We just need to make sure we keep the pressure on the levels of government so they are encouraged to see this through. 

“When you go to a town you expect to be able to park conveniently and go shopping in a main street. If you haven’t got ample street parking then a well-marked and signed multi-level car park in the centre of town is the next best thing. Like Caloundra and Mooloolaba have got. People judge a town by its main street and Nambour’s main street gives the wrong impression to visitors.

“There’s no doubt convenient parking improves the economy of towns. So many people have said they are too scared to even consider reverse parking on Currie street because traffic goes so fast. 

“The survey  has sparked a lot of great discussion. And whether people agree, disagree or are neutral I want to thank them for participating. It really has been a sign of what a great community we have here in Nambour. 

“The data is vital as a resource to show Council and TMR how important this issue is.”