Private sector pushes for Council commitment to Nambour

Community

19 Aug

A meeting of local investors in Nambour last Thursday (August 14), organised by Division 10 Councillor David Law, highlighted frustration over Sunshine Coast Council’s decision to delay major funding for the town.

The immediate trigger was Council’s recent move to defer a $55 million project to redevelop the Eddie De Vere administration building, including upgrading the library and streetscaping to areas of the surrounding block.

The statements provided by investors suggest they would like to see that sort of money invested in the CBD to revitalise the town centre.

Investors said Nambour deserved better and had great potential but needed council to show investment leadership.

Tristan Brown of Remax said the deferral “continues a long line of outcomes that only serve to confirm to the residents, business owners, investors and supporters of Nambour – we are not a priority.”

Ricardo De Marco added: “Now is the time to act decisively and support Nambour’s future. Together, we can turn the vision into reality.”

I Am Nambour’s Rhonda Billet said, “We have been starved as a region for long enough.”

The meeting underscored investor confidence in Nambour’s potential, but also a clear message: Nambour has been overlooked and undervalued for too long.

Nambour renewal needs vision and investment

From William Phillips, Sandran Property Group

The recent revitalisation of the Nambour Cinemas and the upcoming full refurbishment and reimagining of the C-Square precinct represent a bold and exciting new chapter for Nambour and the Sunshine Coast.

For decades, Nambour was the heart of the Sunshine Coast – a thriving centre for commerce, culture, and community life. Over time, much of that activity shifted elsewhere, but the spirit of Nambour has never been lost. What is needed now is the confidence, vision, and investment to take back its place as a leading hub for the region. Sandran Property Group is proud to be playing a key role in driving that renewal.

With the cinemas already revitalised and C-Square about to undergo a comprehensive transformation, we are not simply refurbishing old buildings – we are reimagining what the centre of Nambour can and should be. Our vision is to deliver a vibrant, modern, and connected precinct that serves as a modern business hub, a gathering place for the community, and a destination that attracts both locals and visitors.

Nambour has always been supported by its long-standing small businesses – resilient operators who have carried the town through challenges and given it character and identity. These businesses will remain the backbone of the community, and our plans are designed to strengthen and support them by bringing people back into the town centre.

Alongside them, larger businesses will be attracted to C-Square, bringing investment, visibility, and scale. Together, this mix of the established and the new will create a thriving ecosystem where small and large businesses complement each other and ensure sustainable growth.

The reimagined C-Square will also embrace modern design standards, including improved energy efficiency and environmentally responsible features that ensure the precinct is fit for the future. While sustainability is part of our approach, the driving goal is creating a hub that restores confidence, generates jobs during construction and beyond, and inspires further private investment throughout the region.

Nambour’s story has always been one of resilience and renewal. By honouring its past, supporting its small businesses, attracting new investment, and creating a forward-looking business hub, Sandran Property Group is proud to help Nambour take back its place at the heart of the Sunshine Coast.

Developer backs streetscape improvements for Nambour

From Dirk Long, Evans Long:

Evans Long have recently contracted the former mill managers residence and associated buildings in Bury and Mill Streets with a view to refurbishing and enhancing the hospitality offerings on site. Evans Long have a strong track record in redeveloping precincts and have identified Nambour as an area of interest.

The enhancement of the local streetscape will be instrumental in ensuring connectivity, safety and enhancement of the community experience in the area. We are committed to investing in Nambour and believe there is huge potential if the private sector and council get behind the town. One will not succeed without the other.

Strong transport links and character give town an edge

From Ricardo De Marco – Ricardo Property:

I am a local investor and business owner who has committed significant capital into revitalising Nambour. I believe strongly in the town’s potential and have already invested millions into projects designed to bring new life, attract quality tenants, and create sustainable growth for the community.

Nambour has all the fundamentals to thrive: strong transport links, a growing population, and an authentic character that makes it unique on the Sunshine Coast. What it needs now is coordinated investment and support from council to accelerate the transformation already underway.

Private investors like myself are taking the risk and laying the groundwork, but without council’s backing, the momentum can only go so far. Council’s involvement would not only amplify the impact of private investment but also ensure long-term success, improved amenity, and renewed confidence in Nambour as a destination.

Now is the time to act decisively and support Nambour’s future. Together, we can turn the vision into reality.

Patience has run out: Nambour deserves respect

From Tristan Brown, Director Remax:

The decision from Sunshine Coast Council to delay the major funding for Nambour until 2031 is simply unacceptable. Whilst sadly not surprising, this decision continues a long line of outcomes that only serve to confirm to the residents, business owners, investors and supporters of Nambour – we are not a priority. Nambour is bursting with potential and there has never been a better time for Council to demonstrate its commitment to unlocking this potential. Too much has been left to individuals, commercial investors and business owners over the past decade – we need council to honour its promises and drive the growth of our area.

If the Nambour business community has been guilty of anything, it is that we have remained well mannered, patient and tolerant of these outcomes for too long. We have politely tugged on the sleeve of council asking nicely if they could pay us a little attention. It appears that waiting patiently and quietly is not an effective method of receiving support. The town is now at a crossroads and it’s time for council to show Nambour and the people that are championing its growth greater respect.

Budget allocation does not match major centre status

From Rhonda Billet, owner Uptown Hair Studio & Leader of I am Nambour:

I welcome all government & private investment into Nambour’s CBD. From my perspective Council have financially let Nambour down by not funding the Eddie De Vere and Bury Street beautification projects and have only delivered the bare minimum in funding to the Nambour Place Plan streetscaping project, & that was with the assistance of the State Government. The majority of stakeholders welcome investment into the Bury St/Eddie De Vere Precinct. However there is an overwhelming demand from the Landlords for streetscaping projects for Nambour to be fast-tracked as a priority.

Council identifies Nambour as one of its three major centres. However budget allocation does not match this zoning, and that needs to change. We have been starved as a region for long enough. We have many streetscaping projects, in particular, that are ready & that Nambour’s commercial landlords, business owners and community want delivered as a priority.