Experts to draw on visions, old and new, in Nambour CBD reactivation plan

Council will engage closely to ensure outcomes align with the values and visions of Nambourians.

A  plan to shape Nambour’s town centre for the next 10 to 15 years is being created by Sunshine Coast Council in collaboration with the community.   

Div 10 Cr David Law said the plan would be carried out by Council’s Placemaking and Design Office, drawing on previous community engagement and planning.

The team would draw on 10 years of feedback and visioning documents produced by council and the community to form the basis of the precinct concept plan. “The precinct concept plan, feasibility and implementation plan will provide a clear and detailed understanding of how the town centre will look and function, how much it will cost, and provide a roadmap for when each stage of construction can occur,” Cr Law said. 

He said council would engage closely to ensure outcomes aligned with the values and visions of Nambourians. In the early planning phase of the project, council has held a series of conversations with key community groups, facilitated a community Think Tank workshop and analysed all documents produced over the past 10 years on Nambour’s town centre by Council and by Reimagine Nambour. 

Council has also updated several plans which guide future social infrastructure investment in the region. “It was necessary to undertake a review of these documents and implement their relevance to planning for the Nambour centre area,” said Cr Law.

“These investigations have now formed the basis for the precinct concept plan.” 

A series of community events in February 2023 and an online survey would allow the community to provide feedback on the draft concept plan. 

From March to May 2023 that community feedback will be reviewed, and changes made to the plan. 

In May 2023 the plan will be presented to the community ahead of Stage 1 construction. 

“A draft precinct-wide concept design and implementation plan will be produced this year (2022) for presentation to the community where we ask, ‘have we got it right?’ in early 2023,” Cr Law said. 

The plan will contain a draft concept plan and individual concept plans for each of the identified areas within the precinct, as outlined in the image. 

“This project now aims to build on all of the great work that has been accomplished over the past 10 years by the community and council and continue to collaborate with exiting initiatives such as the Special Entertainment Precinct and the Nambour Tram,” said Cr Law.

Nambour’s changing role an opportunity for future

As the once thriving capital of the Maroochy Shire, the centre has undergone a series of changes over the past 20 years leading to a sense of loss among longer-term residents. In addition to the relocation of the sitting council chambers, the bypass of the Bruce Highway, the closure of the sugar mill and changes to agricultural production have also contributed to a perceived decline in the importance of the town. 

This loss of identity and the changing role of the centre is now being seen by many as an opportunity to take forward what is already great and reimagine and redefine the town’s future. Recently the relatively affordable housing and commercial property has seen an influx of younger people attracted to the town’s central locality, good transport options, entertainment precinct and appreciation of a green and leafy aspect.

Nambour now and into the future

Cr Law said Nambour Centre was a vibrant hub of the hinterland, servicing the business, entertainment, cultural, health and education needs of the town and the surrounding communities. It was also well-connected via the rail system, local bus services, improved roads and an extensive network of pathways.

For more information, contact council’s Placemaking and Design Office on (07) 5420 8046 or email placemaking@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.