2021-04-06 Services and Organisation Committee Meeting Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT                                     06 APRIL 2021


b.    Footpath standards
Council constructs footpaths across the shire in varying terrain. In places of steep and challenging
terrain it is common that not all paths meet full accessibility standards. The Park Road temporary
path is an example where full accessibility was not achieved due to overriding objectives of
preserving the natural environment and minimising cost whilst providing necessary public access.
Australian Standards AS2156 – Class 3 Track allows organisations such as Council to meet a
standard for design and construction yet recognises challenges of terrain and environment.
Elements of the Park Road temporary path that highlight the difference between a fully accessible
path and that of AS2156 Class 3 Track include use of stairs, slopes exceeding 1 in 14 and the
absence of pram ramps.
It is not intended that the temporary path be a major facility and that the environment be protected.
Given this, it is proposed the above design elements are not upgraded beyond AS2156 Class 3
Track standard.

2.    The relevance of the temporary path to the local footpath network
In considering the wider footpath network, information was sought from the draft Noosa Council
Walking and Cycling Strategy. Whilst the strategy is in draft, this section of Park Road is classified
as a pedestrian recreation corridor and a principal recreational cycle route. Based on the draft
network design standards for a pedestrian recreation corridor where customer requests have been
received to retain the path and where there are reduced safety crossing points to the path on the
northern side, it is considered that a path is required on both sides. This assessment supports the
recommendation to retain the temporary path.

3.    Additional relevant information – unapproved works in road reserve
Unapproved works have been identified in the road reserve beside the private property at 60 Park
Road. This is the same section of road reserve where Council has constructed the temporary path
considered by this report. Council are in receipt of complaints seeking removal of the unapproved
works within public road reserve. As a result, a number of areas of Council including Parks,
Development Assessment and Local Laws are currently in consultation regarding the unapproved
works.

Previous Council Consideration
Ordinary Meeting 15 October 2020, Item 4, Page 12
That Council note the report by the Project Manager - Transport Innovation to the Services &
Organisation Committee Meeting dated 6 October 2020 and defer consideration of the matter until
the November round of meetings to seek further information from the Design Team.

Finance
As per the 15 October 2020 report, the recommended option of upgrading the temporary path is
quoted at a cost of $103,000. These costs exclude project staff attendance which is estimated at
approximately $2,000.
It is acknowledged that Council is currently delivering a significant capital works program, with
further significant programs of work proposed for at least the next 2 financial years in Council’s
draft 10 year capital works plan. As such it is proposed that this non urgent project be referred to
a future budget review to determine if funding can be made available from other project savings or
existing program timing.




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