2020-10-06 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT                                   6 OCTOBER 2020


     A negotiated service with approved public transport operators under a TransLink Section 43
      approval process allowing Council greater influence on the Covid safe actions and the
      service in general.
     The Loop bus is able to operate for extended hours as it is not limited to a timetable as per
      the existing TransLink services.
     Previous year positive public feedback regarding the Loop bus over any other service.
     Greater control may allow Council to better protect the brand and image of Noosa Free
      Buses.

The challenge for this Christmas holidays is to provide alternative modes of transport to the private
car, maintain the momentum of Go Noosa’s Free Buses, ensure Covid safe options and provide
value for money for rate payer funded Transport Levy initiatives.

Existing TransLink buses will still operate but will be a user pays service. Residents and visitors
with a TransLink Go Card will be able to catch public transport from $2.70 with children (ages 5-
14 years with a Child Go Card) travelling free on weekends.

3.    Go Noosa Peak Period Traffic Management – New initiatives

The following new initiatives are proposed to be introduced for the 2020-2021 Peak holiday period;

a.    Promotion of the Noosa Ferry

In the absence of the full free bus fleet, the Noosa Ferry may offer a viable form of transport to trial
due to it being open to the air and therefore invoking less public anxiety compared to buses. The
operator has recently increased services to ensure Covid safe practices and can accommodate
approximately 40-50 people.

It is proposed that Council actively encourage residents and visitors to utilise the Noosa Ferry, and
subject to discussions with the operator, bring a further report to Council should any operational
and financial considerations be required.

b.    Additional Drop off zones

In 2019 Council trialled a drop off zone near the Noosa Heads bus stop which was found to be well
utilised. With the predicted increase in day visitor traffic it is proposed to trial an additional two
temporary drop off zones further out of the congested area but still within easy walking distance to
the Hastings Street area including an area on the western side of Garth Prowd bridge on Noosa
Parade and at the top of the hill on Noosa Drive near the Reef Hotel.

4.    Marketing

The Go Noosa brand was established in 2018/19 and has gained awareness over subsequent
Christmas and Easter peak period traffic management plans aided largely through the popularity
of the extended Free Bus program that had operated over the entire school holiday period.

Due to Queensland border closures and the potential increase in the South East Queensland drive
market, this year’s marketing will see an emphasis on:
    Welcoming residents and visitors to the area to assist businesses.
    What to expect due to the challenges of Covid such as a reduction in the Free Bus program.
    Information on the various sustainable transport alternatives to the private car.
    How to ensure the best Noosa experience and avoid the frustrations of being stuck in traffic
     congestion such as tips on best times to visit, where to park and walk and catch the Loop
     bus and cycle paths and bicycle parking.

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