Alternative site floated in Howard Street car park debate

The Mitchell Street/Mill Lane car park in Nambour.

An underused council car park at the corner of Mitchell Street and Mill Lane has emerged as a possible alternative site in the debate over the proposed sale of Nambour’s Howard Street/Sydney Street car park.

The idea was raised during a Nambour Chamber of Commerce meeting on April 2, where Division 10 councillor David Law fielded strong opposition to the proposed sale of the 76-space Howard Street site.

Chamber vice president Brian Bugenhagen suggested the Mitchell Street/Mill Lane car park, across from Hungry Jack’s, as a possible option instead.

“There is another underused car park at the corner of Mitchell and Mill Lane that I’ve heard about,” Mr Bugenhagen said.

Cr Law then put the idea directly to the meeting of about 70. “Is there anyone who would object to that being used for some sort of housing project with a housing provider or Coast2Bay? Is there any objection to that site being used?” he asked with no objections raised.

Cr Law said he was aware some businesses were using that car park more often, but noted it was in a smaller, less central part of town.

The Howard Street/Sydney Street car park sale has been deferred for eight weeks following widespread backlash from businesses, residents and community groups, who argue the  car park is vital to the viability of the CBD and particularly surrounding businesses.