TramCo stays the course as team sees light at the end of the tunnel

After 13 years of volunteer effort, Nambour’s long-awaited Tram is now expected to begin operating in the first half of 2028, with TramCo chairman Greg Rogerson reaffirming the board’s determination and commitment to deliver a lasting attraction, hopefully for the ongoing prosperity of Nambour.

Speaking at the TramCo Rodeo Volunteer Evening, Mr Rogerson said the latest project timetable forecast completion around Christmas 2027, followed by commissioning before passengers could be carried.

“We believe our last Gantt chart predicted that commissioning was due Christmas 2027, but it might be the first half of 2028 that it’s actually running on the line,” he said.

The project has taken years longer than initially hoped. Mr Rogerson said much of the delay had been caused by the extensive engineering, safety and compliance requirements stipulated by the Off But he stressed that he completely understood and endorsed the scrutiny imposed, as the tram will be operational within Department of Transport and Main Roads road corridors.

Those requirements have added complexity and a massive amount of precious time to the project being driven by a small group of unpaid volunteers. 

“We have continued working through changing timelines, public scrutiny and the practical challenges of building a passenger rail operation from the ground up,” he said.

The purpose-built tram will travel along Nambour’s State heritage-listed cane railway line, linking the Mill Street terminus with Quota Park through the CBD.

Mr Rogerson said the Tram had been designed to reflect the cane locomotives that once served the Moreton Central Sugar Mill and helped shape Nambour’s identity.

He acknowledged the design had divided public opinion, but said the TNTCo Board remained focused on the wider benefits the attraction could bring.

“The Board believes the tram can draw families from the coastal strip, attract railway enthusiasts from around the world and give visitors another reason to spend time in Nambour’s town centre.,” he said.

“We don’t believe it’s going to be the single silver bullet for the town,” he said. “But it will certainly help bring people to town.”

Mr Rogerson said the Board’s motivation had always been to support Nambour following the decline caused by the Moreton Sugar Mill’s closure and the loss of businesses from the town.

“None of us are train or tram buffs within The Nambour Tramway Company Board. We’re just doing it for the good of the town,” he said.

He also praised TramCo director Peter Clark, a builder who completed work on the terminus free of charge, and thanked Mr Clark’s wife Jenny for her continuing support.

Mr Rogerson said the eventual opening would be an emotional milestone for those who had remained committed to the project.

“There’ll be a lot of tears and applause from us and I hope that the Nambour community appreciates the project.”

For a recent complete round-up of the project visit: https://www.sunshinevalleygazette.com.au/blog/nambour-tram-delays

Tramco chair Greg Rogerson updates supporters at the TramCo Rodeo Volunteer Evening.

Supporters say the Ruseell Anderson-designed tram will be a piece of moving theatre for the CBD harking back to the town’s history.