Alternative options for Nambour tram project to be investigated

Council has agreed to defer consideration of the Nambour Heritage Tramway project until April 2019 to enable further investigations to be undertaken on matters relating to the design, costs and risks associated with the project.

Council has not at this time made any decision to withdraw from this project.

Council CEO Michael Whittaker said the project would be jointly reviewed with Nambour Tramway Company Ltd over the coming months.

“This additional time will enable the divisional councillor, Cr Greg Rogerson, to work in partnership with the Nambour Tramway Company Ltd and council officers to undertake investigations into alternative construction methods for the tramway corridor to ensure best value for money,” Mr Whittaker said.

“Council has also decided that further information is required on the future operating costs, risks and project stages for the Nambour Tramway and this will be included in the report that will be presented to council in April.

“Council will also approach the Australian Government to seek a variation of the funding agreement for the terminus building to the latest start and completion dates possible, noting this will require full acquittal by June 2020.”

This project is governed by a Heads of Agreement between council and TNTCo and both parties have been working closely on all aspects of the project for more than three years.

TNTCo has been actively involved in setting the specifications and all design aspects of the project, including the tramway, tram and terminus and the project’s concept design development of the tramway over the last 12 months. This has involved collective design workshop and concept reviews.

Council and TNTCo will continue to work together on the further investigations to achieve the best outcome for our community.