2014-11-11 Infrastructure & Services Committee Agenda

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                              11 NOVEMBER 2014


3                         REQUEST FOR COMMEMORATION - HERB WOODS
DOCUMENT IN FOR MATI ON




Author                               Project Officer, Beth Potter
                                     Planning & Infrastructure Department

Index                                Asset Management/Parks

Attachments                          1.    Photographs


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Not applicable.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Project Officer to the Infrastructure & Services Committee
Meeting dated 11 November 2014 and:
A.                        Agree to commemorate Herb Woods as the founder of the Noosa River ferry service with
                          the planting of a tree and installation of a plaque in the area immediately east of the ferry
                          landing area (as set out in Option 3 of the Report); and
B.                        Thank Mrs Coral Ross for the Woods’ family contribution of $500 towards the costs
                          involved.



REPORT
In May this year, the founder of the Noosa ferry, Herb Woods, passed away. His daughter, Coral
Ross, approached Council to request the recognition of her father and his contribution to the
development of the Noosa region by naming of the ferry area, Woods Landing. Although this
was the original request from Mrs Ross, other options were considered during the investigation of
this request.

1.                        Heritage evaluation and significance of requested location

In 1964 Herbert Woods returned to Tewantin to seek employment after 18 years in the Royal
Australian Navy. Herb saw an opportunity to establish a ferry service across the Noosa River
and, with assistance of other locals, sourced an unused barge and fitted it with cables and a
motor to drive it across the river. As the ferry operated 12 hours per day, Herb employed Sid
Robinson, a retired farmer.

By 1968 the original ferry reached the end of its lifespan and a new ferry was assembled and
shortly thereafter Herb turned over the operation of the business to his brother Harold. In 1973
the business was sold and Sid Robinson continued to work for the new owners until 1981. The
park immediately to the west of the ferry landing area is named in honour of Sid Robinson (refer
Attachment 1, photo 1).

Herb and his wife remained in the local area and were heavily involved with the Tewantin Bowls
Club and their children attended local schools.

2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Noosa River ferry service.

Council’s Heritage Librarian has determined that Herb Woods’ significance in starting the ferry
service and contribution to the community meets the established criteria for recognition.

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