Aussie firm in mix to build Nambour’s tram

Nambour’s tramway project is picking up steam with a design and a manufacturer almost locked in.

Nambour Tramway Company chairman Greg Rogerson says a design and manufacturer of the tram is being locked in. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Nambour’s tramway project is picking up steam with a design and a manufacturer almost locked in.

The Nambour Tramway Company has hit several roadblocks on its eight-year journey but chairman Greg Rogerson says it’s now back on track.

The project went out to tender in 2019 with construction offers from America, the UK and China received.

“We were very close to actually signing a manufacturing contract with China, which the board never ever wanted,” Mr Rogerson said.

“We always said we would like an Australian-built tram.”

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He said the Chinese option suited the orgaisation’s budget but the deal fell through due to several factors.

“It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge that there is a certain sentiment within Australian residents, with their trade barriers with Australia at the moment, we understand that,” he said.

“I took a trip over to China late 2019 to see first hand primarily how transparent they were going to be with TNT Co.

“We were very confident, we visited two companies in China and I’m still very confident that they could build the tram.”

Construction is complete on the Tram Terminal in Nambour. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Mr Rogerson said the project was at an “exceedingly exciting” stage though with a homegrown business in mix for the contract.

“It just so happens that there is an Australian manufacturer that’s come on the scene and we’re giving them every opportunity to build the tram for us,” he said.

“We just want to make sure we have all our ducks in a line before we come out to the public.

“We want that announcement to be very special.”

The proposed tram will be of heritage style with no electric overhead cables.

Once operational the tram will run on a heritage rail line through Nambour.

Now all it needs is a tram. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Nambour’s newest attraction, the highly anticipated Nambour Heritage Tramway Depot (terminus) building is now complete.

The terminus, near the Nambour Mill Village Shopping Centre in Mill St, also includes an information centre.

Mr Rogerson hopes there will be an official opening to celebrate the milestone in March.

As for when residents will see the tram, that milestone is a little further away.

“All indications from this latest manufacturer is around the 12 month mark,” he said.

“And we said look if it’s 15 months and we’re going to get an exceptional quality and something that will do Nambour proud we are prepared to wait that long.”