Nambour’s first look at terminus & tram

NewsCommunity

11 May

Greg Rogerson is immensely proud and relieved the tram is being designed locally and built  on the Sunshine Coast. — **Greg Rogerson is immensely proud and relieved the tram is being designed locally and built on the Sunshine Coast.**

The public gets its first look at Nambour’s much-anticipated tram design this Friday (May 14) from 12.30 to 3pm and Saturday (May 15) from 9.30am.

While the design has been kept under wraps it was described by Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien — who will officially open the complex at a function on Friday morning — as “a moving piece of street theatre”. The battery powered, solar regenerative tram is expected to be operational by mid next year.

The interactive tram has been designed by renowned Curramore kinetic artist Russell Anderson in his typically vibrant and eye-catching style (See story Page 1).

Nambour Tramway Company Chairman and Former Div 10 councillor Greg Rogerson said he was immensely proud and relieved that the tram was being designed locally and built on the Sunshine Coast. Engineering Consultants Covey Associates have collaborated with Russell supplying the all important engineering and accreditation required by the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR).

“TNTCo is exceptionally pleased that Mr Anderson has gathered a team of exceedingly competent, local professionals and trades people around him, to deliver Nambour’s unique tram.”

Saturday’s opening also marks a huge milestone in the reimagining of the former sugar town, once the commercial hub of the Sunshine Coast.

“This project is a great example of what can be achieved when governments and the community have a dream and work together to achieve it,” said Mr O’Brien. “We’ve brought this attraction back to life and we look forward to seeing it trundling through Nambour for many years to come. I can’t wait to get on board this piece of street theatre and travel along the beautiful streets of Nambour.”

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said council was pleased to help provide a rich historical experience in Nambour.

“This heritage-listed tramline provides Nambour with a point of difference, it will help drive tourism and importantly support our local economy,” Mayor Jamieson said. “Nambour’s newest attraction is the result of many years of community effort to get the tramway on track.

“It will give a lot of confidence to local businesses and capitalise on the work done over many years to provide a vibrant and fulfilling future for Nambour and its community.”

Mr Rogerson said he was delighted to finally be able to host the opening of the Western Terminus building and give people their first glimpse of the Tram design.

“Almost all the labour and materials for the terminus build were from Sunshine Coast businesses and now we are delighted to announce that the tram will also be built right here on the Sunshine Coast.

“If you’re even remotely interested in Nambour’s Tram, please get along to the Terminus, as we feel certain you’ll be thoroughly impressed!”

More about the Project

• Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien will officially open the project.

• The tram is expected to be operational by mid next year.

• The battery-powered ‘Tram’ will run between Nambour Mill Village Shopping Centre and the Southern end of Quota Park between Repco and Aldi, and along Mill and Howard Streets.

• The terminus project, which includes an information centre, has been funded by the Federal Government, the Sunshine Coast Council and The Nambour Tramway Company (TNT Co), with contributions from the local community including a donation from philanthropists Roy and Nola Thompson.

• Mr O’Brien secured half a million dollars of Federal funds, awarded through the National Stronger Regions Fund, to add to the $1.1 million raised by TNT Co and the $2.6 million by Council.