We the undersigned are seeking the active support of Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) to expedite the construction of the Nambour to Coolum Recreational Trail in time for the 2032 Olympics.

The Nambour to Coolum Recreation Trail is an active transport corridor linking Nambour with Coolum and a key project proposed within the SCC’s 2017 ‘Trails Development Plan’, with the desired outcomes of: 

1. A multi-user trail network that allows for an east-west connection between Nambour and the Coastal Pathway;
2. Local recreation trail opportunities for Nambour, Coolum and Bli Bli;
3. Support local history by showing some of the old cane train infrastructure.

The Plan points out that the proposed trail will provide route options crossing a diversity of landscapes, natural and cultural features (including a number of key indigenous sites) crossing various terrains. 

The proposed circa 20km Trail will provide significant outdoor and recreation opportunities for both local residents and visitors such as biking, walking, fishing, kayaking, swimming, bird watching, picnicking. 

Further compelling reasons to fund the project and progress development now:

• The decision to locate the 2032 Olympic Mountain Biking at Parklands on Atkinson Rd adjacent to the proposed Trail. It seems to us that creation of a Recreation Trail from Nambour Rail Station to the Mountain Biking venue, generally along the alignment of the Nambour to Coolum Trail should be a priority project and act as an important first stage of the western end of the Nambour to Coolum Trail.
• The ongoing substantial State investments to upgrade and duplicate the Brisbane to Nambour rail corridor. We would hope and expect that significant numbers of Olympic athletes and spectators would greatly appreciate the opportunity to catch a fast efficient train service to Nambour then bike to the venue.
• State and Council pursuit of initiatives to upgrade and enhance Nambour’s local appeal and economic base following the closure of the Sugar Mill and the more recent reduction of Council’s workforce in the town. The Nambour to Coolum Recreation Trail will provide a welcome and popular ongoing tourist attraction.
• Rapid emergence of Bli Bli township, which is part of the route, and would act as a natural staging post.
• Identification and initiation of the major eco-environment and carbon sequestration project Blue Heart which the proposed Recreation Trail traverses extensively. It has always been envisaged that the Blue Heart will incorporate a number of tracks and trails and the Nambour to Coolum Trail is a very logical major enhancement.
• Allocation in 2022 of $35,000,000 under the joint Federal, State and Council Cities Deal toward the Blue Heart including a reported $5,000,000 of Commonwealth monies which are earmarked for tracks and trails in the Blue Heart. 

The segment of the Trail commencing in Coolum and making its way under the Motorway and into the Blue Heart would be a logical and effective first stage from the Coolum end of the Trail.

Up to this point, progress on this project has been slow. We are now reaching out to members of our local community and tourists to rally support and urge both the Council and Government to fulfill their commitment by allocating the promised funding and expediting the project.

To receive updates, please also consider joining our Facebook group: Nambour to Coolum Recreational Trail (CRA page)