Mill Street makeover begins as council responds to homelessness and eyes dark sky future

by Cameron Outridge

Work is set to begin on the first stage of the long-awaited Nambour Revitalisation Project, according to Councillor David Law.

Cr Law confirmed the news during his address to the Nambour Chamber of Commerce Coffee Catchup at Ken Mills Toyota on July 3.  

Cr Law said construction would commence on Mill Street (between the Royal George Hotel and Club Hotel Namba) before the end of the year, marking a major milestone in the town’s transformation plans. 

“It takes a long time to get these things moving,” he admitted, “but the key goal of this work is to make Nambour a more walkable place. 

“At the moment, we’ve got four lanes of traffic cutting the town in two. It’s discouraging for people trying to cross.”  

The revitalisation plan, which was shaped by community input over two years, aims to encourage foot traffic and support local business by making it safer and easier for pedestrians to navigate Nambour.  

“We want people who come and park at Coles or Woolies to leave their car and actually walk through town,” Cr Law said.  

He also confirmed that efforts are underway to secure state government support for the adjoining Currie Street upgrades, which fall under the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). 

“I am working with Mayor Rosanna Natoli to get additional funding out of the state government so we can do, not only Stage 1A, but Stage 1B as well,” he said.  

Rising homelessness

On a more sobering note, Cr Law raised concerns about rising homelessness across the whole Sunshine Coast, noting an estimated 2,000 people were currently without safe shelter.  

“There was a meeting yesterday afternoon around homeless safety with Marty Hunt, Mayor Natoli and myself. I’m pleased to see it’s getting attention needed — right through to (State Government) Cabinet level,” he said. “It’s incredibly challenging. These are people don’t have anywhere to sleep that you’d call safe or warm.” 

Dark Skies 

Cr Law also invited locals to take part in consultation for another council initiative — the Dark Sky Reserve project, aimed at preserving the night sky across the Blackall Range and beyond.  “If we can keep our skies dark and reduce artificial light, we’ll be one of the few Dark Sky Reserves in a region with a high population. That opens up tourism and stargazing opportunities,” he said.  Community members can provide feedback on the project via the Sunshine Coast Council website.

Councillor David Law