Mayor responds to backlash over car park proposal
Mayor Natoli.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli has defended council’s handling of the Howard Street car park proposal, saying strong and immediate community feedback prompted a rethink before any decision was made.
Answering questions put to her by the Gazette, the Mayor addressed the overwhelming backlash that led council to abandon plans to sell the central Nambour site, acknowledging the depth of feeling from businesses, residents and service users.
Here’s what she had to say:
Q. What changed between council’s initial recommendation to sell the Howard Street car park and the decision to take it off the table?
A. The proposed sale of the land was included in an Ordinary Meeting agenda for Councillors to consider, and ahead of any decision being made, Council heard almost immediately from the Nambour community. Face to face engagement highlighted concerns about the suitability of the site. This included the Chamber of Commerce, I am Nambour, business leadership groups and local residents prompting Council to listen and reflect.
Q. Was the level of community backlash anticipated, or did it come as a surprise to council?
A. We always welcome feedback from our community. I don’t think anyone foresaw the overwhelming intensity of the feeling in this case. From businesspeople, property owners, Nambour residents and other locals who use the car park, the message was very clear and consistent. The people who live, work and access services in Nambour every day have an intimate understanding of the local area, and it is essential that we take the time to carefully consider their views. This is another example of Council genuinely listening and responding to our community.
Q. What has council learned about community expectations around parking in the Nambour CBD?
A. We recognise how important close and accessible car parking in the Nambour CBD is to the local community - supporting everyday access, particularly for visitors with mobility challenges and health conditions, plus supporting nearby businesses and for everyone to stay connected.
Q. Is it possible council might consider a multi-level car park on that block, to boost CBD trade, as recommended in Council’s own Nambour Local Area Parking Plan.
A. At this stage there is no multi-deck carpark being considered.
Q. What else would you like to say?
A. Everyone understands the undeniable need for affordable housing on the Sunshine Coast and also the benefits of having more people living in the Nambour CBD, activating the streets and businesses. That is vital. This move is another example of this Council genuinely listening to our community and responding to that. Hopefully, it also goes towards building trust with our community into the future.