Nambour to Coolum Recreation Trail Feasibility Plan

Nambour to Coolum Recreation Trail Feasibility Plan

Sunshine Coast Council

Inspiration

Sometimes things seem so obvious, yet when looked at closely aren’t as straightforward as some might think. Such was the case with the old cane rail line between Nambour and Coolum which was proposed as a recreation trail. On paper, the historic line made an interesting story, meandering across the landscape with historic bridges and other artifacts of a once thriving piece of infrastructure. On the ground however, the abandoned rail corridor crossed numerous private properties with no public access. An imaginative response was required examine the nub of the idea and take it in an achievable direction.

Outcomes

Thorough research, wide ranging community engagement and site investigations determined an alternative route that linked points of interest, connected three population centres (Coolum, Bli Bli and Nambour), addressed demand for a growing regional population for recreational trails and responded to gaps in the supply of local trails that could be inter-connected to create longer distance opportunities. 

The feasibility process identified that the greatest value of the trail was in meeting local needs for quality recreational trails between the destinations for walking, fitness training and cycling in close proximity to local hubs on trail segments of moderate length. 

Recognition

With a clear plan including priorities, costs and staging, Council readily adopted the plan as its own, making it a core component of its environment and liveability strategy. Interestingly, the main proponent for the original idea, suggested by Council officers as our biggest challenge to finding an alternative route became our biggest fan promising us fresh lobster if we ever returned to the area!

Photography: Sunshine Coast Council