2022-12-06 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                             6 DECEMBER 2022


      encouraged.
•     87% of respondents caught a free weekend bus to avoid the hassle of finding a car park.
•     61% of respondents think the free weekend bus services should be funded by the
      Sustainable Transport Levy.




Image 1: Instagram Free Buses Quick Poll
Face-to-face surveys were conducted on Sunday, 14 August in Tewantin, Noosa Civic, Noosa
Heads and Noosa Junction - 25 surveys were collected.
Results indicated:
•     94% of respondents were very satisfied with the service & 6% satisfied.
•     100% would recommend free weekend buses to others.
•     71% stated they are more likely to try out a bus service if it is free.
•     41% stated the fact that the bus was free was very important to them. 35% stated it was
      not at all important.
•     Majority of respondents were aged above 60 years
•     Reason for catching the bus: markets (x 4), rowing regatta, beach & lunch x 3, National
      Park, shopping, site sightseeing, Tewantin Marina.
Feedback received from Pomona and District Chamber of Commerce indicated that the Free
Weekend Buses trial was helping to counter social isolation with seniors using the free service
to access the Noosa Civic and the Noosa Junction cinema. The Free Weekend Buses have
also been popular with young people in the hinterland facilitating access to attractions on the
coast. The free weekend buses have encouraged travel to the hinterland including the Pomona
markets and access to hiking trails.
Feedback from a business owner in Hastings Street indicated strong support for the Free
Weekend Bus trial to continue:
“There are so many positives to this continuing.
•     It’s for everyone. All ages, locals, tourists, staff, and day trippers.
•     30-60 people on a bus conservatively reduces 20 vehicles a day in the precinct/ shire.
•     So good for the environment with less vehicles.
Noosa precinct is no different to Bondi, Byron, St Kilda and other major tourist attractions.
Everyone wants the most convenient way to get there. If we can promote heavily to the local
community, including all the surrounding accommodation venues, I’m sure the uptake of utilising
a terrific initiative, will only enhance our destination, as a wonderful place to visit.
Like so many initiatives, it takes at least 12 months to change people’s habits, so please extend
the trial throughout 2023”.

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