Car park sale withdrawn in major win for Nambour
About 100 residents gathered Monday to oppose the sale of the car park.
The proposed sale of the Howard Street carpark in Nambour will not proceed, with Division 10 Councillor David Law confirming the decision following today’s (April 15) key meeting with stakeholders and council leadership.
In a message to Nambour Now chair Helen Tagg, Cr Law said:
“Following a meeting this morning with key stakeholders and the Sunshine Coast Council CEO it has been confirmed that the sale of the Howard Street carpark will not proceed.
“Thank you very much for sharing your comments with me during this process.
“I will continue working with key stakeholders to achieve the best outcome for Nambour going into the future.”
The announcement follows a Nambour Groups meeting attended by community leaders, Sunshine Coast Council CEO John Baker and Cr Law, this morning (April 15) where the future of the site was discussed amid strong community opposition to the proposed sale to Coast2Bay.
Former Maroochy Shire deputy mayor Trevor Thompson, who attended the meeting, said the CEO retained control of the agenda until matters were formally tabled at a council meeting, allowing items to be withdrawn beforehand. It appears that is what occurred in this case.
Nambour Groups issued a joint statement thanking council for acting quickly in response to community sentiment.
“Our community and business community have strongly voiced their feelings on the possible sale of the Howard St Carpark Nambour to organisation Coast 2 Bay,” the statement said.
“CEO John Baker, Mayor Rosanna Natoli and our Sunshine Coast Council Economic Development team have been working behind the scenes with our Nambour Group leaders on this matter. They listened to the community sentiment and business feedback to Council regarding the issue and acted swiftly. For that our Nambour Group leaders are very appreciative.”
The group said the outcome marked a significant moment for the town, with strong alignment now in place between community, council and investors.
The decision is expected to restore confidence in the Nambour CBD, where several major projects are already underway or in planning, including the $25 million C Square redevelopment and a $5 million beautification program.
After weeks of intense debate, the withdrawal of the sale is being seen by many as a clear demonstration of community influence on local decision-making.
The news came just a day after Nambour Now member Sarah Vortman formally submitted two community petitions about the proposed sale of the Howard Street car park to Cr Law.
“Together, the petitions received almost 2,200 signatures, reflecting a clear message from the community about the importance of the Howard Street car park – not just as infrastructure, but as something that supports access, local businesses, and connection in Nambour,” she said. “Thank you to everyone who took the time to sign and share.”