Chamber President sees promise in proposed Nambour CBD changes

Aerial view of proposed Howard Street/Ann Street treatment.

by Janine Hill

The Nambour Place Plan has been described as a good starting point by the president of the local chamber of commerce.

Nambour Chamber of Commerce President Mark Bray said the draft concept plans released by the Sunshine Coast Council last month were a step towards a better future for Nambour.

The plans for Currie Street, Mill Street, Bury Street, Ann Street and Howard Street involve tree planting, wider footpaths, increased seating, and the installation of some art and water features.

The plans show Bury Street between Mill Street and Currie Street one-way and a shared zone for vehicles and pedestrians, a raised signalised crossing will be on Currie Street north of Mill Street, and the three crossing points at the Low and Ann Street junction rolled into one.

Mr Bray said Nambour was a town split by a busy four-lane road and creating a cohesive centre was a challenge.

Mark Bray

“I think there’s a bit of confusion at the moment about where the town centre is. There’s probably a bit of activity around Coles but there’s a number of businesses down Currie, Low, Howard and Ann Streets,” he said.

He acknowledged it was difficult for the council to do more when Currie Street was a main road controlled by the Transport and Main Roads department.

“I’m positive about what the council is proposing with Currie Street, but how to somehow divert heavy traffic or reduce the speed in Currie Street to try and calm the traffic that drives through there would be helpful.

“I think the council are mostly trying to do the best they can.”

Mr Bray was not rattled that the concept plans do not incorporate any additional parking in town, despite calls by some business operators for improved parking.

“Some people have a view that carparking is hard to find in Nambour but not everybody shares that view,” he said.

He urged business operators and residents to look at the concept drawings and provide feedback to the council, which intends to finalise the plans around May and start initial work in late 2024.

“It’s a start. Some people may have missed the opportunity to put something in because they are not in the space to get heard but I think that people need to take the time to have their way because I think the way to get the best outcome is to get as many people as possible to give their views.”