Community unites: Council cans plans to sell car park

About 100 residents, businesspeople and staff gathered for a community photo to oppose the sale last Monday.

Sunshine Coast Council has scrapped plans to sell Nambour’s Howard Street car park after an extraordinary wave of community opposition, in a clear victory for local voices.

The decision, confirmed by   CEO John Baker  at last Wednesday's (April 15) Nambour Groups meeting, came after weeks of intense backlash from residents, businesses and community groups who argued the loss of the 76-space car park would damage the viability of the CBD.  

Mayor Rosanna Natoli said she was surprised by the response from community but said the outcome reflected council listening to the community. “This is another example of Council genuinely listening and responding to our community,” she said.  

Nambour Chamber of Commerce president Brian Bugenhagen described the outcome as a sign of strong leadership. “It restores confidence that community voices genuinely matter in decisions like this,” he said.  

Last Monday (April 13) about 100 people gathered at the site on short notice for a community photo calling for the proposal to be abandoned – a show of unity that underscored the depth of feeling in the town.  

Campaign organiser Ali Atkinson said the result ensured a vital piece of infrastructure would remain.

“Nambour voices have been heard. A critical piece of accessible car parking infrastructure will remain to serve our community’s needs. That’s all we wanted,” she said.  

Across the campaign, a consistent message emerged: the issue was not opposition to housing, but the location and its effect on access to nearby businesses and services.

Nambour Groups chair Rhonda Billett said the town supported growth, but not at the expense of essential infrastructure.

Nambour Now chair Helen Tagg said the  community had spoken “with one voice”. “This was about making sure the right decisions are made in the right locations and that the long-term viability of our CBD is protected,” she said.  

Two petitions led by community advocate Sarah Vortman, attracting more than 2000 signatures helped drive the outcome.  

For residents like Tezz Watson, who relies on accessible parking, the decision brought relief. “I’m just so happy… so many people use that car park,” she said. 

Others remained sceptical, pointing out that, had it not been for the intense and immediate community reaction, the sale could have gone ahead at last month's council meeting with no community consultation.