Local MP backs community opposition to Nambour car park sale

Nicklin MP Marty Hunt has publicly backed community opposition to the proposed sale of the Howard and Sydney Street car park, calling on Sunshine Coast Council to reconsider the plan.

The council-owned site, a key parking hub in the Nambour CBD, was set to be sold for an affordable housing development before the decision was deferred for eight weeks following widespread community backlash.

Mr Hunt said the level of concern raised by locals had been “clear” and warranted serious consideration.

“Our community has spoken clearly, with strong and widespread concern about the proposed plan to sell the council-owned Howard & Sydney Street carpark in Nambour,” he said.

“While this is ultimately a decision for Council, I’ve listened closely to local feedback and as your elected State representative, I stand with the community in opposing the sale of this important asset.”

The MP said he had spent recent weeks engaging directly with stakeholders, including business owners, residents, councillors and council’s chief executive officer, to better understand the implications of the proposal.

“Over recent weeks, I’ve met with local businesses, residents, councillors and Council’s CEO to hear a range of perspectives and I encourage Council to consider alternative options,” he said.

The proposed sale has drawn strong criticism from across the Nambour community, with concerns centred on the loss of 76 centrally located car parks relied upon by nearby medical services, retailers and staff.

Mr Hunt said he understood council was now taking community feedback into account as it works through the deferred decision.

• The car park sale decision was deferred to the May 21 meeting after widespread community blowback. The CEO was due to meet with Nambour Groups today (April 15) to discuss the proposed sale. Readers can view and sign a Nambour Now petition opposing the sale via https://c.org/BbTtMCWyY

Mr Hunt said the level of concern raised by locals had been “clear” and warranted serious consideration.