Clinic owner seeks full council panel on car park decision

Steele Anderson says a panel discussion would give all councillors a clearer understanding of the real-world impacts of removing the car park from the CBD.

Nambour health practitioner Steele Anderson says he is anticipating a panel-style meeting with Sunshine Coast councillors as debate continues over the proposed sale of the Howard Street car park.

Mr Anderson, director of Absolute Health Chiropractic & Physiotherapy, has been among nearby business owners raising concerns about the impact the loss of the central car park would have on patients and surrounding businesses.

The proposal to sell the council-owned site had been scheduled to go before council, but was deferred at the last minute following strong and widespread community backlash.

Mr Anderson said the next step should involve direct engagement between councillors and those most affected – not just the local divisional representative (Div 10 Cr David Law), but all councillors who will ultimately vote on the matter.

He said it was important that the full council heard firsthand from businesses and service providers in the area.

“As a medical clinic owner/practitioner in Nambour, I rely on the Howard Street car park for my staff and my patients, many of whom attend for injury and health treatment and cannot reasonably park at a distance,” Mr Anderson said.

The proposed development has raised concerns about accessibility, particularly for patients with limited mobility, and the potential flow-on effects for businesses reliant on convenient parking.

Council’s decision last fortnight to defer the matter for eight weeks has opened a window for further consultation, with community members now calling for meaningful engagement before any final decision is made.

Mr Anderson said he hoped the anticipated panel discussion would give all councillors a clearer understanding of the real-world impacts of removing the car park from the CBD.

• The next Sunshine Coast Council ordinary meeting is scheduled for April 23 at 9am at City Hall. The car park sale decision was deferred to the May 21 meeting after widespread community blowback. The CEO is due to meet with Nambour Groups tomorrow (April 15) to discuss the proposed sale. Readers can view and sign a Nambour Now petition opposing the sale via https://c.org/BbTtMCWyY