‘About time’: Nambour locals claim credit for council clean-up
A BMW vehicle parked in the middle of an encampment at Apex Park
Trolley loads of rubbish were removed by Council last week.
Trevor Thompson has been an outspoken critic of Council’s treatment of the rubbish situation.
By Cameron Outridge
Former Maroochy Shire Deputy Mayor Trevor Thompson says public pressure has finally forced Sunshine Coast Council to act on a growing rubbish problem around Nambour’s CBD and parklands.
Mr Thompson, a long-time Nambour resident, said the unsightly build-up of rubbish outside homeless encampments had been damaging local businesses and the town’s reputation. He reckons the community’s voice – including business owners, residents and online commentators – led directly to Council’s decision to clean up the area last week (August 29).
“At long last, Council has bowed to public pressure to clean up the rubbish that has plagued Nambour for some time,” Mr Thompson said. “As ratepayers, we will continue to keep an eye on them and make sure the clean-up is on a regular basis. Doing nothing was never an option.”
Council responded to the Gazette’s enquiry on August 29, confirming that rubbish clearing had already been scheduled that day for Model Railway Park, Jubilee Park and Apex Park. It said 2.6 tonnes of rubbish had been removed from surrounding parks and campsites over the past week.
Mr Thompson welcomed the action but questioned the Council’s claim that the CBD and surrounds were serviced “every morning”.
“Business owners would strongly dispute the regularity of that,” he said. “It’s one thing to schedule it – another to actually do it consistently.”
He also expressed frustration at what he sees as ongoing buck-passing between levels of government.
He said council was responsible for the upkeep of its parks and if it allowed people to live there it needed to provide proportionate rubbish services so the entrance to town didn’t resemble a dump.
“When people complain to Council, they get told homelessness is a state issue. Then if they go to the State, they get told rubbish is Council’s responsibility. It’s the old blame game,” he said.
Mr Thompson said Nambour locals should stay vigilant and continue pushing for a cleaner, safer town.
“Let’s stop kicking the can down the road. Council needs to just get on and do the basics right.”
He said the situation was taking a toll on local businesses already struggling with economic pressures. “It gives the town a shocking image.”
Council’s response to Gazette’s enquiries about rubbish removal:
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said Council has scheduled rubbish clearing for Model Railway Park, Jubilee Park and Apex Park on August 29.
“Council services the Nambour CBD and surrounds seven days a week, with cleaning works early each morning.
“Rubbish left at homeless sites is monitored weekly by staff from The Shack, the Department of Housing and Council staff. Observations are documented, and any required rubbish collection is referred to the relevant team for action.
“Officers investigating these reports first inspect the site and seek to connect with the owners to establish whether the items are abandoned. Over the past week, about 2.6 tonnes of rubbish have been removed from surrounding parks and homeless campsites.
“Council has increased bin collection frequencies in Petrie, Quota, and nearby public areas in response to higher usage.”
“Sunshine Coast Council remains committed to working with all levels of government and the community to end homelessness.
“This includes having dedicated teams present to provide support to people in public spaces and achieving the goals set out in the Sunshine Coast Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2023.”