Meeting papers

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                       13 NOVEMBER 2023


6.7       NON-POWERED WATER SPORTS FEASIBILTY STUDY


Author               Community Development Officer (Sport and Recreation), Amanda Tie
                     Community Facilities Department
Index                ECM/subject/51.02 Sport and Recreation Plans
Attachments          1.   Attachment 1: Noosa NPWS Feasibility Study


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Non-Powered Water Sports Feasibility Study provides advice as to the viability of co-locating
non-powered water sports, specifically outrigger rowing, rowing, and coastal rowing within a precinct
on the Noosa River foreshore in Noosaville. It reviews the existing provisions, articulates the current
activities, demands, and trends for participation, and makes recommendations for requirements to
meet future needs.

An internal cross-departmental working group consisting of officers from the Environmental Services,
Sport and Active Lifestyles, Infrastructure Planning, and Property teams has directed and provided
input into the study. Considerable engagement was undertaken with external stakeholders who
provided feedback and input into the study and final recommendations.

The Study recommends the development of a non-powered water sport precinct in the vicinity of the
existing Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club (NYRC) on Gympie Terrace, utilizing existing hardstand
areas. Minor infrastructure developments are recommended to provide purpose-built boat storage,
improvements to water access points, and improve general public amenity and connectivity. Given
the space constraints along the river foreshore the Study shows that it is difficult to meet everyone's
desired outcomes however the Study has identified constructive ways to improve use and operations
for the identified water sports.

The information gathered in the Study and the draft concepts will provide for further detailed planning
through the Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Planning being undertaken in 2023.
RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Sport Strategy and Project Advisor to the General Committee
Meeting dated 13 November 2023 regarding the Non-Powered Water Sports Feasibility Study and:
      A. Accept the Non-Powered Water Sports Feasibility Study; and
      B. Refer the findings of the Study to future planning activities.


REPORT
Background:

The Sport and Active Recreation Plan (2018) identified a lack of land-based storage for water-based
sports and recommended the development of a Noosaville Foreshore Land Use Master Plan (the
‘Master Plan’), which was completed in May 2018. The Master Plan:
      •   Recommended the consideration of co-locating the Outrigger Club at the Noosa Yacht and
          Rowing Club (NYRC) pending a feasibility study;
      •   Evidenced that there was strong community support for the maintenance of public open
          space in Chaplin Park;
      •   Articulated that there was general community acceptance of the use of the open parkland for
          the outrigger craft;



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