GO NOOSA INTERIM REPORT · Report

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                       20 JANUARY 2025



The August 2024 Go Noosa evaluation report presented to Council's July meeting outlined the need
for review of Council Cabs and Flexilink services due to low patronage and increasing costs. It is
intended to commence this review for the 2025-26 budget to ensure optimal use of funds generated
by Council's Transport Levy.

In addition, parking changes are proposed at the corner of Noosa Drive and Hastings Street,
including the relocation of the existing loading zone located, widened footpath and increased
motorbike parking. These measures were trialled over the Christmas peak period to observe
potential improvement to traffic delays while prioritising pedestrian safety. These changes have been
favourably received by the local business community and have been seen to successfully improve
pedestrian and traffic flow.
These three Go Noosa program initiatives require immediate evaluation and are presented ahead of
a more comprehensive report which will include a review of the full program including evaluations
of:
• Bus patronage
•   Lions Park overflow parking
•   Main Beach drop-off zone
•   Park-and-Ride services
•   Wayfinding signage
Free Buses in Light of the 50-Cent Public Transport Scheme
The introduction of the Queensland Government's 50-cent flat rate for public transport has been
confirmed by Government as ongoing and has prompted a need to reassess the Go Noosa Free
Bus program, which is funded by Council through Translink as the service provider.

A review has been conducted to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of continuing the Free Bus program.
Key aspects include:
• 50-cent flat-rate public transport scheme provides significant incentive for public transport users
    and negates the need for the Free Bus program. Data received from Translink shows 9.2% uplift
    on weekends and 22.8% on weekdays arising from the 50-cent program since its inception.
• Preliminary estimates suggest potential savings may be realised if the Free Bus program is
    removed from Translink agreements, which is currently funded by the Transport Levy. This
    contracted amount is commercial in confidence but the amount is not insignificant.
• Consideration needs to be given to retaining the Go Noosa Loop service (between park-and-ride
    areas and Hastings Street) as a free service, as it is unclear whether Translink would provide
    this service at the 50-cent rate.
• Subject to negotiations with Translink, retention of the Go Noosa Loop service to park and ride
    stations may mean that Council maybe able to alter the way this service is provided, including
    use of smaller buses. This aspect requires further detailed consideration with Translink, the
    Transport Operation (Passenger Transport Act) including any use of public bus stops
Following negotiations with Translink the full financial savings will be clearer.

Any changes to transport arrangements will need to be fully communicated to the public and a
communications program is planned to advise of altered arrangements.

Review of Council Cabs and Flex-link Services
Council operates a Flexi-link service between Boreen Point and Tewantin for people with limited
transport options and connects passengers with existing public transport services for onward
journeys. Council Cabs provides affordable door-to-door transport service for eligible
residents. A comprehensive review of the Council Cabs and Flexi-link services has commenced to
evaluate its usage and cost to the Council. Key components of the review include:

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                         20 JANUARY 2025


•   Patronage and cost.
•   Alternative services now available by community and charity services.
•   Investigating existing State Government programs, such as the Community Transport Program
    and The Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS), to determine how these can support the transition.
•   Benchmarking other on-demand services implemented by Translink in other regional localities
    in Queensland
•   Direct engagement with existing users.
•   Consideration of alternatives including termination of the schemes and/ or replacement with new
    initiatives
For the 2023-2024 financial year, the combined total Council expenditure (ex GST) for Flexi-link and
Council Cabs was $58,491.44.


Parking Changes at the Corner of Noosa Drive and Hastings Street
A trial over the Christmas period of the following traffic management changes were undertaken in
Noosa Drive and Hastings Street to improve pedestrian and traffic flows:
•   Implementation of footpath widening by relocating the existing loading zone and removal of
    parking spaces in Noosa Drive outside Ben & Jerry's to enhance pedestrian capacity and
    accessibility, aligning with current pedestrian flow demands. Additionally, the removal of parallel
    parking near the Hastings Street roundabout once again help alleviates forward queuing, thereby
    improving traffic flow and reducing congestion.
•   Reallocated the existing parking area in Hasting Street outside Rococo's to dedicated motorcycle
    parking to enhance traffic flow by reducing congestion caused by vehicles attempting to parallel
    park at this location. This adjustment minimises disruptions to the Hastings Street and Noosa
    Drive roundabout by mitigating immediate forward queuing, enabling smoother traffic movements
    through the roundabout.
These changes were favourably received by the Hastings Street Association and as a result is
proposed to continue as a trial for three months in order to monitor and receive feedback during this
time. In the event that ongoing feedback is positive, these changes may be rolled out permanently.
Council staff recommend Councillors inspect the locality during the trial period, and a mutually
convenient time will be arranged by Infrastructure Services staff.

New Sustainable Transport Initiatives
It is anticipated that forecast changes will provide a significant release of financial and resource
capacity to advance other new sustainable and contemporary transport initiatives that focus on
emerging priorities. Opportunities are currently being assessed by staff and will be subject to future
reporting and Council decision.
One emerging area is electric mobility. As its meeting of 17 October 2024, Council resolved a Notice
of Motion concerning e-bikes and e-scooters, including e-bike rider education as part of the Go
Noosa program and referred future funding requirements to budget deliberations. E-bikes and e-
scooters have the potential to be a significant new mobility means to reduce congestion in Noosa
and is supported by the Noosa Transport Strategy. At the moment resources are not available to
advance response strategies around this emerging transport form.
If funding capacity is made available, Council resources could be made available to explore initiatives
which may include:
•   Establishing safe infrastructure for e-mobility, such as designated lanes and parking areas.
•   Running safety and education campaigns.
•   Partnering with the State Government to advocate for the revival or expansion of rebate
    schemes.

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                        20 JANUARY 2025



Link to Corporate Plan

Theme No. 2 - Liveability
Liveability encompasses housing, facilities and services, transport, health and wellbeing to enable
an inclusive, connected and vibrant community.
Objective 2.4 Advocate and partner with all levels of government for increased funding for
connected transport nodes, transit hubs, including walking, cycling and public transport and explore
opportunities through smart city1, smart biosphere and innovation to transform the way we move
around and engage in our community.
Objective 2.7 Fund and deliver sustainable assets and facilities and associated services responding
to the changing needs of the community and the challenges and opportunities of the future.


Previous Council Consideration
Ordinary Meeting Minutes 12 August 2024
That Council
A. Note the report by the Acting Director Infrastructure Services to the General Committee meeting
   dated 12 August 2024 regarding the Go Noosa Initiatives;
B. Delegate authority to the CEO to approve the ongoing implementation of the Go Noosa
   initiatives as outlined in this report, subject to Council’s budget processes;
C. Note the proposal for Council Officers to undertake a review of the of the Boreen Point Flexilink
   and Council Cabs service and report back to Council;
D. Note that, as Council has yet to conduct community engagement specifically on the future use
   of the Noosa Heads Lions Park Reserve during peak periods as per the Motion of March 16,
   2023, approve the use of the Noosa Head Lions Park for additional overflow parking in the period
   from Saturday 14 December 2024 to Tuesday 28 January 2025 and Saturday 2 April 2025 to
   Monday 21 April 2025 by the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club at their discretion and that Council
   communicate these intentions with the Queensland Department of Resources; and
       1.      Authorise the CEO to negotiate fees.
E. Seek community feedback on the future use of the park;
F. Approve the temporary use of the "Main Beach Local Government Reserve”, adjacent to the
   Noosa Heads Surf Club, as a “Main Beach Drop Off Zone” for the peak Christmas/New Year’s
   Eve two-week period (with a preference for the dates to be 23 December 2024 to 5 January
   2025) including drop-off/pick-up, disability permit holders, scooter/motorbike, Council lifeguards,
   emergency services vehicles, NYE rapid response area, and additional facilities such as waste
   collection, temporary toilet block etc;
G. Note that a Parking Management Plan, including a Local Parking Plan for Noosa Heads is under
   preparation and a Movement and Place study is proposed for the 2025/26FY, that closely
   considers carparking and circulation in the Main Beach locality including future use of the Noosa
   Heads Lions Park, the Noosa Heads Bus Station, the Maze Carpark and the Main Beach Local
   Government Reserve which will wholistically consider the uses, design and circulation within
   these critical spaces for Noosa Heads and will be subject to community engagement; and
H. Note that Council’s resolution on 13 September 2021 that allowed the concept of a one-way
   "Local Loop" with Bus Priority Lane, from Noosa Drive to Noosa Parade be referred to a
   Councillor workshop to encourage bus usage and frequency.

Finance

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                          20 JANUARY 2025


The Transport Levy currently operates at a deficit, with funds raised not matching annual costs. The
shortfall is funded from general revenue. The report recommendations are seeking to reduce costs
through timely review of existing services, which have opportunity for more cost effective
delivery. Following further review and negotiation full financial benefit can be modelled and included
in budget planning for the FY 25/26.

Risk & Opportunities
The report recommendations seek to address cost risks arising in the Go Noosa Program. There is
an opportunity to redirect released resources and funds to arising and new programs addressing
contemporary transport issues.

Human Rights
Human Rights Compatibility Statement
In developing this Report, the subject matter has been considered in accordance with the
requirements of the Queensland Human Rights Act 2019. It is considered that the subject matter
does not conflict with any human rights and supports a human rights approach to decision making
by Council. Council representatives will endeavour to act and make decisions under this report in a
manner that is compatible with human rights. This report should be read in conjunction with
Council’s Human Rights Policy.

Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Nil.


Internal Consultation
Departments consulted:
       Office of the CEO, Mayor &         Community Services               Corporate Services
               Councillors
        Mayor & Councillors             Director                        Director
        Chief Executive Officer         Community Development           Financial Services
        Executive Officers              Sport & Active Lifestyles       Fleet
        Community Engagement            Arts & Culture                  Revenue Services
        People & Culture                Community Connection            ICT
        Governance                      Customer Experience             Procurement

                                                                        Commercial Property

        Strategy & Environment          Development & Regulation         Infrastructure Services
        Director                        Director                    x   Director
        Strategy & Sustainability       Development Assessment      x   Infrastructure Planning, Design
                                                                        and Delivery
        Economic Development        &   Local Laws                      Civil and Asset operations
        Destination Management
        Environmental Services          Environmental Health            Waste
        Innovation & Digital Hub        Building & Plumbing             Building & Facilities
                                        Property / Permits              Disaster Management