2021-03-09 P&E Agenda - Item 8 - Attachment 1 - Climate Change Response Plan

Theme 4. Sustainable Transport

Why this is important
Transport is the second largest source of emissions in Noosa Shire and is responsible for 33% of our
community emissions. Moving towards sustainable transport will bring huge benefits for emissions
reduction. This means switching to low/zero-emissions vehicles, increasing up-take of active
transport like walking and cycling, improved pathway connectivity, adopting zero-carbon public
transport systems, and reducing the need for private transport by supporting working from home
and home-based businesses.

These changes will provide broad-ranging benefits including more convenient ways for locals and
visitors to travel, reduced congestion, improved health and wellbeing for individuals, and job
creation opportunities. Sustainable transport will also contribute to Noosa’s reputation as a
sustainable, clean, green destination by reducing fossil fuel use and keeping up with changing
technology.

How we’ll achieve this
Council is responsible for local roads and public parking and sets carparking design requirements for
new developments. Public buses are run by the State Government Department of Transport through
TransLink. A number of private bus companies provide customer specific transport services to and
within the shire. Addressing the barriers to the take up of active transport and public transport due
to high dependency on private vehicles and Noosa’s dispersed settlement pattern is a key challenge.

Through the Noosa Shire Transport Strategy and the draft Walking and Cycling Plan, Council is
accelerating public and active transport investment and take-up by:

 Encouraging a modal shift away from private car use towards active transport modes and public
  transport through behaviour change programs and improved pathways and connections

 Increasing public transport use through improved services and increased bus services to the
  hinterland

 Partnering with government agencies and transport providers to explore and enable the
  replacement of diesel buses with electric/zero emission buses in Noosa

 Partnering with transport providers to explore and enable the uptake of electric bikes and
  personal mobility devices

 Increasing parking management controls in congested areas through timed and paid parking

 Expanding the pathway network in urban and hinterland areas

 Rolling out electric vehicle charging stations at Council facilities

 Amending the Noosa Plan 2020 to include requirements for new multi-residential and non-
  residential developments for carparking areas to be ‘EV ready’.

Council’s fleet emissions are less than 2% of total Council emissions. Transitioning Council’s fleet to
zero-emissions vehicles where fit-for purpose demonstrates leadership to the community but has an
insignificant impact on Council’s overall emissions. Ongoing behaviour change programs aim to



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Noosa Climate Change Response Plan - draft for council endorsement March 2021