Chamber opposes Howard Street car park sale

Nambour Chamber of Commerce President Mark Bray, left, and vice president Brian Bugenhagen

Nambour’s peak business body has formally opposed Sunshine Coast Council’s proposed sale of the Howard Street car park, warning it would damage local traders and weaken the town centre.

In a submission to councillors ahead of this week’s meeting, the Nambour Chamber of Commerce said it supported affordable housing but not at the expense of a key public parking asset.

The Chamber said the loss of the centrally located car park would have “a significant and detrimental impact on the viability of small businesses”, many of which were already operating under pressure.

It also raised concerns about a lack of consultation, arguing the proposal had been under consideration for years but only recently brought to the attention of local businesses.

The Chamber’s letter to council is reproduced in full below:

Dear Councillors,

I am writing this submission representing the Nambour Chamber of Commerce Board to formally oppose the proposed sale of the council-owned car park located on Howard Street, Nambour.

Firstly, please note, the Chamber Board understands and supports development of low cost and social housing in our town.  But not in this location at the expense of this carpark.

The removal of this car parking facility will have a significant and detrimental impact on the viability of small businesses and services in the Nambour town centre.

Accessible and convenient parking is critical to the survival of local traders, many of whom already operate in a challenging economic environment.

Reducing available parking will discourage customers from visiting the area, ultimately weakening the local economy and undermining Council’s stated goals of supporting business activity and town centre revitalisation.

It is particularly concerning that during previous discussions regarding parking shortages in Nambour, Councillor David Law specifically recommended that customers utilise this very car park. This clearly indicates that the facility is not “surplus to requirements,” but rather an important component of the existing parking network.

Equally troubling is the apparent lack of transparency surrounding this proposal. It is our understanding that the potential sale of this land has been under consideration for many years, yet local businesses and the broader community have only become aware of it just days prior to the relevant Council meeting. This raises serious concerns about community consultation and engagement. Why has this matter not been communicated openly and earlier to those most affected?

The classification of this car park as “surplus” does not reflect the lived reality of Nambour residents, customers, and business owners. On the contrary, it is a fully utilized essential asset that supports accessibility, economic activity, and the overall functionality of the town centre.

We strongly urge Council to reconsider this proposal and to engage in genuine consultation with local stakeholders before making any decision that could have long-lasting negative consequences for the Nambour community.

Thank you for your consideration.

– Kind regards, Brian Bugenhagen (Vice President)