Meeting papers

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                         20 JANUARY 2025


8.1     GO NOOSA INTERIM REPORT


Author            Director Infrastructure Services, Shaun Walsh
                  Infrastructure Services Department
Index             ECM/ Subject/ Transport Policy
                  ECM/ Project & Contract/ Transport Strategy / Car Parking Management
                  ECM/Project & Contract/ Transport Strategy / General
Attachments        1.   Attachment 1 - 250109 Noosa Drive and Hastings Street


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Go Noosa Holiday Program is a key initiative within the Noosa Transport Strategy 2017–2027
(the Strategy), designed to enhance the transport experience for both residents and visitors and is
funded via the Sustainable Transport Levy (the Levy). The Levy is an essential resource for funding
initiatives to sustainably manage congestion, alleviate pressure on the road network, and address
parking challenges throughout the Noosa region. The program is funded to the amount of $900,000
largely through the Transport Levy. Despite rising costs associated with delivering the Go Noosa
initiatives, the Levy has remained unchanged since 2018 and is currently in deficit.

The viability of existing programs should be assessed to ensure the Levy funds are utilised effectively
to continue developing the Strategy initiatives. This interim report focuses on the Free Bus program
and the Council Cabs and Flexi-link services due to impending funding and operations deadlines. A
fuller report concerning the whole program including comprehensive data, will be presented later this
year.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Director Infrastructure Services to the General Committee
Meeting dated 20 January 2024 regarding the Go Noosa Program and
A. Advise Translink that Council wishes to cease the Free Weekend Bus Services and the Go
   Noosa Free Bus service for peak seasons in light of 50cent fares and authorise the CEO to
   negotiate an amended Go Noosa agreement with Translink concerning remaining Go Noosa
   services;
B. Undertake a community information program jointly with Translink to advise patrons of changes
   to the bus service;
C. Note that a review has commenced of the Council Cabs and Flexilink services to assess their
   effectiveness and return on investment in preparation for 2025-26 financial year budget; and
D. Note the proposed traffic management changes at the corner of Noosa Drive and Hastings Street
   as outlined in this report.


REPORT
1. Operational Summary

Free Buses under the Go Noosa program continued on weekends and peak periods over the recent
Christmas and New Year period consistent with previous years. Recently State Government
announced the ongoing implementation of 50-cent public transport fares across the region. In
addition, the State has commenced rollout of Smart Ticketing and contactless payment, aimed to
replace Go Cards. These two state wide initiatives have largely negated the need for Council funded
Free Buses, as it also provides a key incentive for patrons to use public transport and assist in
congestion reduction.



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