NON-POWERED WATER SPORTS FEASIBILTY STUDY · Attachment 1: Noosa NPWS Feasibility Study

Publicly accessible beaches, passive recreation parks and            serious consideration should be given to an alternative use for
public facilities such as boat ramps are provided along the          this area, including potentially accommodating a non-powered
Noosaville foreshore.                                                water sport/activity, and possibly returning some land to
                                                                     public open space.
However, there are also numerous lease and permit areas
issued to private businesses over jetties and land, for a range
of water-related activities and services that are ‘fee-based’,
such as the Slipway at the end of Mill Street, an essential
service to boat owners for repairs and maintenance.
There are also leases and permits issued to community
not-for-profit organisations, such as the NYRC, tennis court,
outrigger canoe club, and coastal rowers. In the case of
tennis, it can be argued that its continuation at this location is
indicative of historical use, rather than a demonstrated need
for access to the water.
All of these leases and permits constrain free and public use
of the foreshore to varying degrees. Council’s continual review
of these on a case-by-case basis is strongly supported.

Increasing public open space
Slipway
Research for this project revealed that several sailing and
yacht clubs manage slipways as a service to members and
the general public, generating an additional revenue stream
for the club’s community and not-for-profit activities.
The lease over the Slipway located at the end of Mill
Street and adjacent to Chaplain Park is currently held by a
commercial operator.
A future scenario could include this activity under lease by an
appropriate community organisation, resulting in retention
of these important services to boat owners, while returning
revenue into community activities and programs.
Consolidation of the business activity occupying the lease
areas, as well as the adjacent use by the Outrigger Club
for storage, could result in an overall reduced footprint,
and realisation of the broader community’s aspirations for
Chaplain Park to remain unembellished.
In short, this could contribute to increasing the net amount of
foreshore land for public open space purposes.
However, if Council determines that a commercial lease is
required, or preferred, that the associated footprint of the
subject lease is revised to increase public open space or
community use area.
Further, it is recommended that the lease conditions are
reviewed to ensure a higher level of maintenance and upkeep,
keeping with the Noosa brand.

Tennis Court
The tennis court currently located on the foreshore measures
approximately 33 x 15m and sits between the public boat
ramp and Ely Park.
Participation in tennis and the location of tennis facilities
does not require access to foreshore land, the Noosa River or
the ocean. It is acknowledged that the tennis court is highly
valued by members of the community, and offers an alternate
physical activity to the water-based activities that are typical
along the foreshore. However, as land-use pressures continue,



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                                                                              Draft Feasibility Report