GO NOOSA INTERIM REPORT · Report

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: