All aboard for Nambour
Fri 19 January 2007
Gail Loader, Journalism
Nambour can claim the title of train centre of the Sunshine Coast, following the announcement of a planned light rail network in the CBD.
With the existing Traveltrain and Citytrain networks operating out of Nambour station and the ride-on model train network which runs through Petrie Creek Park, there will now be a train for all occasions.
Set to be a first for the Sunshine Coast, the light rail will make use of the cane train tracks left unused since the closure of the Moreton sugar mill in 2003.
The news has created great interest for railway enthusiasts everywhere with over 300 readers viewing news of the planned rail network at the Railpage Australia and New Zealand website.
The Sunshine Coast Daily reports that 850 metres of train track, which is currently heritage listed, will join the two key sites of the former sugar mill and the cane marshalling yards, which are both planned for major redevelopment.
Stations are planned for each of the development sites and passenger stops the along the retail areas of Howard and Queen Streets and at Nambour shopping plaza. By offering commuters hop-on/hop-off convenience the light train is set to alleviate traffic congestion and parking problems in the CBD.
Also, Queen Street is currently being considered for transformation into a pedestrian mall, the Sunshine Coast Daily says.
The Nambour Weekly reports that Mayor Joe Natoli enthusiastically supports the light rail plan, though he states that it is early days for the development and that further research is essential.
Mayor Natoli is proposing that a working party be established to consider the logistics of the proposal and to consider safety issues.
Ideally the light rail service would be free to use, to promote it as an alternative means of public transport and a tourist attraction for visitors.
Nambour local councillor Paul Tatton told the Nambour Weekly that now is a time of exciting new developments for Nambour and, if this project is successful, it may become a pilot for other areas locally and nationally.
The closure of the mill changed the tone of the town with the former industrial sites set to be redeveloped into retail and recreational centres.
The Sunshine Coast Daily states that the development plans for the original mill site includes a major retail shopping centre.
Councillor Tatton believes that this retail centre may alter Nambour’s image into that of a complete shopping haven, similar to Maroochydore’s Sunshine Plaza.
This will be complimented by the State Government initiative which will direct Nambour’s future focus toward becoming a transit hub.
Nambour already has the reputation as a transit centre and is one of the major stops on Queensland Rail’s Traveltrain, the “Sunlander”, and the new high speed Tilt Train. All travel along Queensland’s east coast connecting major centres to Cairns.
The innovative Tilt Train has been designed for speed and passenger comfort. Capable of reaching speeds of 220 kilometres per hour (kph) it generally motors between 120 and 150 kph.
The Tilt Train experience includes the option of business class and each commuter has their own entertainment system offering movies and music.
On a smaller scale, the Sunshine Coast Railway Modellers Society offers free train rides on the fourth Sunday of every month.
For over 26 years riding on the model trains through beautiful Petrie Creek Park has entertained children and adults alike. Winding along the banks of Petrie Creek through towering gums and colourful native flora the train riders are treated to beautiful natural vistas around the park.
Former president of the society, Bill Bagley, said that the club operates 16 different steam trains and one locomotive, powered by live coal.
Half of the one kilometre track, which is over 20 years old, has significantly deteriorated and the club is seeking funding to assist rebuilding.
Mr Bagley stated that large overhead costs, including $2500 annually for public liability insurance, means that the model train society must rely on funding from gambling charities and private donations.
Annually the club organises a day to allow disabled groups to enjoy the trains, set to be the 23rd of August this year.
“The fun they get out of the day is unbelievable,” Mr Bagley said.
Also on display at the model train station in the park is the original cane train locomotive, the “Valdora”.
Mr Bagley believes that the cost of the venture will be prohibitive with the infrastructure needed for the light rail network proposal worth millions, though he would like to see the former cane train tracks back in use.
The increased accessibility of the township through the existing and planned rail network will increase the attractiveness of living in the area.
Many families have moved to the area to take advantage of the large amount of family friendly facilities already in place and some of the more affordable housing on the Sunshine Coast.
Nambour has evolved from an industrial cocoon and is set to become a transportation butterfly.
Further information:
Maroochy Shire Council Library - History of the cane trains
See the old Moreton cane train in action (clip 3)Image(s) designed by Maroochyshire Council Library
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Submitted Comments
Thanks for your efforts.
Oz Pete (the steam one)
Gail - surely you could update this article- Mayor Natoli? from January 2007
Margaret Evans