Demolition planned for hazardous Nambour site
The buildings have deteriorated, become structurally unsound and attracted unsafe community behaviour.
Work is officially under way to clear a derelict and potentially hazardous site bordering two of Sundale’s prominent residential aged care centres in Nambour.
Sundale will begin removing the ageing McGowan Court and Lodge buildings, at the corner of Doolan Street and Carter Road, adjacent to both the Bowder and James Grimes Care Centres.
The buildings have significantly deteriorated over the years, becoming structurally unsound and attracting unsafe community behaviour, particularly since it had attracted homeless people seeking shelter in recent times.
Sundale CEO Cameron Taylor confirmed recent assessments identified the building as asbestos-affected and a potential fire hazard.
“Residents, employees, and the community are our priority, and their needs are at the core of everything we do,” Mr Taylor said. “We’re taking a proactive approach with our property by refurbishing what can last, but demolishing what’s been identified as unsafe, especially for the vulnerable individuals who may shelter there.”
Visiting allied health providers will be briefed on the demolition and we will monitor accordingly to ensure resident and employee health will not be impacted. Additional meetings with employees, residents and their families also are scheduled to update all parties on the works and answer any questions. Neighbours will be updated directly to allay any concerns.
Local firm Wildtrax has been contracted to oversee the project. Mr Taylor noted Wildtrax’s strong local reputation and good compliance record in safe asbestos removal. An independent Asbestos Hygienist is also part of the onsite team.
The demolition marks another step in Sundale’s broader transformation. Following a major restructure 18 months ago, the organisation has successfully emerged from a decade of financial difficulty and is debt-free. It’s now actively reshaping its property portfolio to better serve the next generation of Sunshine Coast seniors.
Mr Taylor told a recent Nambour Chamber of Commerce event that non-core properties across the portfolio would be sold, while unsalvageable buildings would be cleared.
Unlike the nearby Sunvilla seniors’ rental village, which Sundale successfully refurbished and restored, the McGowan buildings were beyond repair or adaptation.
While the historic structures are coming down, Sundale’s dedication to the region remains firm.
“Nambour and the hinterland are important to us,” Mr Taylor reassured. “While these buildings are being removed, our commitment to the community remains. We are currently in a discovery phase to determine how to best use this land.”