2021-08-10 P&E Agenda - Item 7 - Attachment 1 - Climate Change Response Plan

                                                              Noosa Climate Change Response Plan




Theme 4: Sustainable Transport
Why this is important
Transport is the second largest source of emissions in Noosa Shire and is responsible for
33% of our community emissions. Moving towards sustainable transport will bring huge
benefits for emissions reduction. This means reducing reliance on car travel in Noosa,
switching to low/zero-emissions vehicles, increasing uptake of active transport like walking and
cycling, improved pathway connectivity, adopting zero carbon public transport systems, and
supporting working from home and home-based businesses.
These changes will provide broad-ranging benefits including more convenient ways for locals
and visitors to travel, reduced congestion, improved health and wellbeing for individuals, and
job creation opportunities. Sustainable transport will also contribute to Noosa’s reputation as a
sustainable, clean, green destination by reducing fossil fuel use and keeping up with changing
technology.


How we’ll achieve this
Council is responsible for local roads and public parking and sets carparking design
requirements for new developments. Public buses are run by the State Government
Department of Transport through TransLink. A number of private bus companies provide
customer specific transport services to and within the shire. Addressing the barriers to the take
up of active transport and public transport due to high dependency on private vehicles and
Noosa’s dispersed settlement pattern is a key challenge. Climate change makes the task all
the more urgent.
Through the Noosa Shire Transport Strategy and the Walking and Cycling Plan, Council is
accelerating public and active transport investment and take-up by:
•	Encouraging a modal shift away from private car use towards active transport modes
   and public transport through behaviour change programs and improved pathways and
   connections
•	Addressing the transport emissions of over 2 million visitors to Noosa per year through
   consultation with relevant stakeholders to establish parking controls and public transport
   alternatives
•	Increasing public transport use through improved services and increased bus services to
   the hinterland
•	Partnering with government agencies and transport providers to explore and enable the
   replacement of diesel buses with electric/zero emission buses in Noosa
•	Partnering with transport providers to explore and enable the uptake of electric bikes and
   personal mobility devices
•	Increasing parking management controls in congested areas through timed and paid
   parking through timed and paid parking, with revenue to go towards sustainable transport
•    Expanding the pathway network in urban and hinterland areas
•    Rolling out electric vehicle charging stations at major Noosa destinations
•	Amending the Noosa Plan 2020 to include requirements for new multi-residential and non-
   residential developments for carparking areas to be ‘EV ready’.
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