Meeting papers

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                      11 DECEMBER 2023


6.4       SHADE IN COORAN STREETSCAPE


Author              Acting Chief Executive Officer, Larry Sengstock
                    CEO's Office | Office of the CEO & Mayor
Index               ECM / Subject / 27.05
Attachments         1.   Attachment 1 - Chronology of Aerial Photos at 12 King Street Cooran


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The business proprietors of the General Store at 12 King Street Cooran have made representations
to Council about the inadequacy of shade on the footpath tables, which are regarded as a key
community gathering location for the village.

The tables were originally placed in around 2010 following the streetscape upgrade and were funded
by a Councillor's discretionary budget. It is understood that temporary shade umbrellas were placed
over the tables at times to provide comfort for patrons, presumably by the proprietor of the adjacent
business. The umbrellas were placed as a courtesy rather than any under formal outdoor dining
arrangement or exclusive use of the tables. Council replaced the tables in 2023 due the age of the
previous furniture, which removed the ability to physically place the temporary umbrellas in the table
top. Subsequent consideration highlighted concerns for the liability and safety of the temporary
umbrellas in this location, combined with consistency of approach with other public locations in
Noosa. In other outdoor locations, adjacent businesses seek permission for an outdoor dining
licence, and management and liability of the temporary shade umbrellas formally rests with the
adjacent business owner.

The report outlines the existing provision of shade in the Cooran village centre, as well as
benchmarks with other village centres in the Shire.

Four options are canvassed in the report to improve shade in front of the premises:
      •   Option 1: Extend Shop Awning (by business owner)
      •   Option 2: Outdoor Dining Permit and Umbrellas (by business owner)
      •   Option 3 Public Outdoor Shade Umbrellas (by Council)
      •   Option 4: Additional Shade Tree Planting (by Council)

It is noted that these options have not been subject to community engagement or canvassed with
the business proprietor. The options have been provided to assist in determination of any preferred
option by Council and would require subsequent community and business community engagement.

The recommended option is for Council to explore funding for additional shade planting in various
locations in the street to benefit the entire community and provide a greener and cooler amenity.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Acting Chief Executive Officer to the General Committee Meeting
dated 11 December 2023 regarding additional shade measures in King Street Cooran and
      A. Note that Council is committed to provide a shady and green character for King Street that
         benefits all businesses and the community;




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