Tramway project receives $38,600 community boost

The Nambour Heritage Tramway, one of the strategic projects in the Nambour Activation Plan endorsed by Sunshine Coast Council, has received a significant financial boost thanks to donations from local community members and businesses keen to see the town’s heritage listed sugar cane train tracks return to life.

The Nambour Alliance has handed over a cheque for $38,600, the proceeds so far from its on-going monthly Tramfest street party which has become a popular social, cultural and entertainment event in Howard Street in the centre of the town.

Division 10 Cr Greg Rogerson, who accepted the cheque on behalf of the Nambour Heritage Tramway Company, said the project had sparked plenty of interest and passion amongst locals who saw the tram’s potential to help strengthen the identity and uniqueness of Nambour.

“This project is all about our cultural identity and embracing Nambour’s history,” Cr Rogerson said.

“We’re now in the mode of getting this tram on the tracks.

“This money that we’ve received today is a very welcome gift from Nambour Alliance and demonstrates that our residents and visitors are getting behind the idea of having the tram in the town.

“It gives the project some impetus and we’re looking forward to that continuing by having another successful and enjoyable Tramfest this Saturday.

“What we’ve seen happen with Tramfest is that people are coming out, having fun, eating good food and being entertained by some exceptional musicians so that, in itself, has been great for Nambour as well as contributing to the tram project.”

Nambour Alliance president Tony Vella said today’s presentation was a milestone for the project and promised there were more funds to come thanks to the community’s “buy-in” for the tram.

“It’s been really pleasing to see how many people have been digging into their pockets and supporting the tram through Tramfest,” Mr Vella said.

“We need that support to continue and not just from the Nambour community, but the Sunshine Coast as a whole because this is about more than just Nambour.

“The Nambour tram may just be that thing that brings someone, or a family or larger group, to the Sunshine Coast and then we benefit economically for a whole range of reasons”.

Council made an initial contribution of $500,000 towards the Nambour Heritage Tram in the 2015/16 budget.

The April Tramfest will be in Howard Street on Saturday from 5pm to 9pm.

Fast facts

• The tram is proposed to run between the Coles Shopping Centre and Aldi.
• The proposed tram is a 600mm gauge (the distance between the rails), solar powered electric battery model. There are no electric overhead cables. It would be the only one of its kind in the world running on a heritage rail line.

Photo: Cr Greg Rogerson receives a cheque for $38,600 for the Nambour Heritage Tramway project from Nambour Alliance representatives including president Tony Vella (third from left)