A fresh push towards Nambour to Coolum trail – but hurdles remain

Attendees at the February 18 meeting.

MOMENTUM seems to be building again behind the long-mooted Nambour to Coolum Recreational Trail, with community representatives, councillors and council officers meeting on February 18 to discuss the project’s next steps.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli struck an upbeat tone after the meeting, posting that those in attendance could see “a future where there’s a trail from Nambour to Coolum”.

“Imagine riding, running or walking your way along the river, through wetlands and bushland,” Mayor Natoli wrote.

“There’s a passion and drive to see this become reality, and the next step is a feasibility study to work out what route this might take.

“We will need support from all levels of government …. What a sensational legacy project this could be!”

The proposed trail, first endorsed by council in 2017, would span up to 48km linking Nambour, Rosemount, Bli Bli and Coolum, with about 16km following sections of the historic cane train line. Advocates say it would boost recreation, tourism and active transport while better connecting the hinterland to the coast.

But not everyone is convinced the path forward will be straightforward. Former Maroochy Shire deputy mayor Trevor Thompson has raised concerns about assumptions surrounding the former cane rail corridor.

“This at face value has some merit but one would hope that they are not looking at the old cane train corridor from Nambour to Coolum because that is not a gazetted corridor,” Mr Thompson said.

“It was only an agreement between the cane growers and the sugar mill. Council would have to resume land through private properties if they are thinking about going down that route. I don’t think too many land owners would like the public travelling through their private land.”

His comments underscore the complexity of a project that has seen plans drafted, working groups formed and studies discussed over more than two decades.

Councillor hopeful Division 10 Cr David Law was hopeful the project would come to fruition and connect the hinterland to the 65km coastal trail. He said when the sugar mill closed in 2003 the easements held between Bundaberg Sugar and the farmers over the cane land were given up.

“Completing a recreational trail from Nambour to Bli Bli and Coolum will connect us to the 65km plus coastal footpath and may include a link to the Olympic MTB venue at Parklands. This is a very exciting opportunity and while difficult to achieve will be well worth the effort.”

Council representatives have previously acknowledged the trail would likely be delivered in stages and require detailed investigation and external funding.

A map showing the possible route of the Nambour-Coolum Recreational Trail.