Tram accreditation track is clear and now it’s full steam ahead

The interactive steam punk style tram is being designed by renowned Witta kinetic artist Russell Anderson.

Greg Rogerson: “We’re all working towards June-July next year, now that we’ve satisfied this major compliance requirement. Getting that approval was huge.”

It’s been a long journey for the Nambour Tram project, with some delays and detours, but the final destination is in sight after a major milestone was reached this month.

TramCo welcomed a certificate of accreditation from the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) which cleared the way to the project’s new completion date mid next year.

Chairman Greg Rogerson was proud and relieved the locally designed and built  tram had passed the crucial but onerous milestone. 

“We understand our obligation and responsibility to make sure that this tram is absolutely fully compliant with the Department of Transport and Main Roads  and the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR),” he said.  “And that it is truly fit-for-purpose and compliant. We have a great responsibility. Council have invested a couple of million dollars into the project and we have received well in excess of $2 million from Rod and Jan Forrester and Roy and Nola Thompson. We have to make sure everything is perfect. And so it takes time.”

The interactive tram is being designed by renowned Witta kinetic artist Russell Anderson in his typical vibrant and eye-catching style. 

Described by Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien at last year’s design launch as “a moving piece of street theatre” the much-anticipated battery and solar-powered tram was expected to be operational by the end of last year.

But Mr Rogerson said the team was now hoping to have the tram on the tracks mid 2023.

“We’re all working towards June-July next year, now that we’ve satisfied this major compliance requirement. Getting that approval was huge.

“It’s an extremely complex and rigorous process and it’s taking longer than we anticipated, but we firmly believe the longer we go down this journey it will not only be a great attraction for Nambour, it will be the best tram of its kind in the world. We genuinely believe that.

Nambour Tramway Company director Rhonda Billett said the heritage-listed tramline was expected to provide Nambour with a rich, historical point of difference and help drive tourism and support the local economy. 

“We’ve been through a very drawn-out process but it’s full steam ahead now that this behind-the-scenes groundwork has been completed,” she said.

The battery-powered tram will run between Nambour Mill Village Shopping Centre to the southern end of Quota Park between Repco and Aldi, and along Mill and Howard Streets.  

The project has faced criticism locally as a “tram to nowhere”, with some saying the journey terminates only a relatively short distance away. The initial designs were criticised as boring and there has been mixed response on the current steam punk-inspired option. 

Supporters, including Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien, predict it will be a key ingredient in sparking life into the Nambour CBD.  

Engineers Kevin Covey and Stephen Braiden from  Consulting Engineers Covey Associates have been collaborating with Mr Anderson on the meticulous build.

Revolutionary Power Source

Meanwhile, TNC Co has hinted that they are progressing with a revolutionary new power source for the Tram. They have indicated that, after completion of trials and data logging of the relevant technology, they will be able to confidently share it with the general public within a few weeks.