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GO NOOSA TRANSPORT INITIATIVES 2023/24 EVALUATION AND 2024/25 IMPLEMENTATION · Report
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 12 AUGUST 2024
6.9 GO NOOSA TRANSPORT INITIATIVES 2023/24 EVALUATION AND 2024/25
IMPLEMENTATION
Author Acting 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 - Go Noosa - Car Park Tech Trial 202324 Evaluation
2. Attachment 2 - Go Noosa - Christmas and Easter 202324 Snapshot
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Go Noosa Program is a comprehensive initiative aligned with the Noosa Transport Strategy,
aimed at managing peak period traffic and enhancing the transport experience for both residents
and visitors. A key principle to the transport strategy is modal shift with residents and visitors
encouraged to use active and public transport in preference to private vehicles as a congestion
reduction initiative.
The program includes a suite of measures such as free holiday buses, high-frequency shuttle
services, park and ride facilities, and digital information systems during the school holidays, and a
schools program aimed at walking and riding to school to help inform travel choices. Evaluation of
these initiatives has shown a positive impact, with increased use of sustainable transport options,
improved traffic management, and high levels of customer satisfaction, when modal shift does occur.
The program seeks to balance the need for an efficient transport network with the preservation of
Noosa's unique character.
This report addresses the operational arrangements for the Go Noosa program and
also provides recommendations concerning the use of the Noosa Heads Lions Park for temporary
carpark, as well as evaluation of the Main Beach Drop Off Zone “People's Park” concept and
recommendations moving forward.
RECOMMENDATION
That Council
A. Note the report by the Acting Director Infrastructure Services to the General Committee
meeting dated 12 August regarding the Go Noosa Initiatives;
B. Delegate authority to the CEO to approve the ongoing implementation of the Go Noosa
initiatives as outlined in this report, subject to Council’s budget processes;
C. Note the proposal for Council Officers to undertake a review of the of the Boreen Point
Flexilink and Council Cabs service and report back to Council;
D. Note that there is no proposal for Noosa Heads Lions Park to be converted to paid parking
for any of the school holidays, and Council staff will meet with the Lions club to discuss
alternative fundraising initiatives.
E. Approve the temporary use of the "Main Beach Local Government Reserve”, adjacent to the
Noosa Heads Surf Club, as a “Main Beach Drop Off Zone” for the peak Christmas /New
Year’s Eve two-week period including drop-off/pick-up, disability permit holders,
scooter/motorbike, Council lifeguards, emergency services vehicles, NYE rapid response
area, and additional facilities such as waste collection, temporary toilet block etc; and
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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 12 AUGUST 2024
F. Note that a Parking Management Plan, including a Local Parking Plan for Noosa Heads is
under preparation and a Movement and Place study is proposed for the 2025/26FY, that
closely considers carparking and circulation in the Main Beach locality including future use
of the Noosa Heads Lions Park, the Noosa Heads Bus Station, the Maze Carpark and the
Main Beach Local Government Reserve which will wholistically consider the uses, design
and circulation within these critical spaces for Noosa Heads and will be subject to community
engagement.
REPORT
The purpose of this report is to provide Council with an update on the Noosa Transport
Strategy’s Go Noosa programs and seek approval for any changes to the implementation of
the operational program. The report also addresses the ongoing use of the Main Beach Drop Off
Zone (People’s Park) as well as the use of the Noosa Heads Lions Park for temporary overflow
carparking.
The Go Noosa Program is largely funded by Councils Transport Levy and prioritises sustainable
transport and congestion reduction initiatives. The program responds to both resident and visitor
mobility, as well as peak and non-peak times. Full information on the program is found on Councils
website at https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/community/transport-and-roads/go-noosa-transport.
1. COMMUNITY TRANSPORT SERVICES
Council offers the following services to assist residents with making sustainable transport choices
and to help remove barriers of cost and missing public transport links, whilst helping to manage
congestion during peak weekends.
1.1 Council Cabs
Council Cabs offers a convenient and cost-effective door-to-door transport service specifically
designed for seniors over 60, individuals with disabilities, and their carers or minors accompanying
them on the journey. Eligible participants are collected from their homes as early as 8:30 am and
taken to local shopping centres. For those who arrange return trips, pickups are scheduled around
11:30 am from the same drop-off point. Bookings are made the day prior by contacting Council Cabs
directly.
The service averages 44 trips per month, or 22 passengers, travelling to and from their location.
There has not been an increase in the $2 fares since the introduction of the program in 2009. The
average cost per passenger is approximately $15, from 1 July 2023 to 31 March 2024.
Table 1. Council Cabs Service locations
Suburb Shopping Centre Day
Noosa Civic, Tewantin or
Noosaville, Doonan Wallace Drive Tuesday
Noosaville
Noosa Heads, Sunshine Beach, Sunrise
Noosa Fair, Noosa
Beach, Castaways Beach, Marcus Wednesday
Heads
Beach, Peregian Beach, Lake Weyba
Poinciana Avenue,
Tewantin, Noosa Civic,
Tinbeerwah, Tewantin, Cooroibah Wednesday
Wallace Drive
Noosaville
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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 12 AUGUST 2024
Cooroy, Federal, Black Mountain,
Emerald Street Cooroy Thursday
Cooroy Mountain, Lake Macdonald
Memorial Avenue
Pomona, Cooran, Kin Kin Thursday
Pomona
It is considered timely to conduct a review of the service in consultation with the existing users to:
• ensure the service is fit for purpose and provides value for money,
• identify any overlap in services
• consider opportunities or improvements to the service
• benchmark fees with other similar on-demand public transport services available in
Queensland
• explore improved funding arrangements with Translink.
There is also opportunity to consider better integration of services with Noosa Seniors, who also
operate a volunteer-based transport service. This review would be undertaken jointly with Boreen
Point Flexilink (as outlined below) and would involve engagement with existing patrons. The
outcomes of the review will be further reported to Council.
1.2 Boreen Point Flexilink
This service is designed to provide transport to people with limited transport options between Boreen
Point and Noosa Banks. The service is scheduled to connect with existing public transport services
for onward journeys. It operates on a designated route on a pre-booked basis. A vehicle will not be
sent if there are no bookings.
Provided a booking is made, the service runs three return trips per day, Monday to Saturday.
Figure 1: Flexi-link Routes
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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 12 AUGUST 2024
The service averages 140 passenger trips per month, with some passengers only travelling in one
direction.
There has not been an increase in the $2 adult and $1 concession fares since the introduction of the
program. The average cost per passenger calculated for the 23/24 FY is approximately $29.50.
As outlined above it is proposed that a review of the service is conducted in association with the
Council Cabs Service to identify any overlap in services, make sure the service is fit for purpose and
provides value for money to all ratepayers, and to consider opportunities or improvements or
expansion to the service, such as timing and routes.
1.3 Free Weekend Buses
Go Noosa in partnership with Translink, promotes sustainable travel within the shire by offering free
bus services on weekends to entice residents and visitors to leave the car at home. The initiative
began in February 2022 and an agreement is in place with Translink to continue until 11 February
2025. The service includes Translink routes 626, 627, 628, 629, and 632 only.
Services 620, 622, 630 and 631 travel outside the Shire, and are unable to be included in the
agreement, as there is currently no way to charge for the Noosa proportion only, it is acknowledged
that this creates confusion for passengers. It is hoped that once Translink roll out Smart Ticketing,
Council will be able to include a service to Peregian Beach and additional services to Cooroy.
However, this date and capability is not yet confirmed, and once the service is rolled out, it is still not
a guarantee that the system will be able to support the free travel within Noosa Shire without
upgrades, which may take time.
Over the past two years, the initiative has yielded positive results with the first year of the trial
increasing patronage by 20% on pre-COVID levels. As at 11 February 2024, the figures were sitting
below the same time the previous year. However, they are still up on pre-covid levels. This result
may be attributed to:
• 1,908 less passengers in April due to the ANZAC Day public holiday falling on a Tuesday
this year, so no long weekend.
• There was protected industrial action from TWU members only, on the following dates which
may have impacted the counts on the services:
o 19 - 22 July 2023
o 16 August 2023
o 24-25 August 2023
o 6 - 9 September 2023
o 4 October 2023
o 23 October – 27 December 2023.
• The Go Noosa program is promoted through Councils media channels, light pole
banners and shelter signage
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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 12 AUGUST 2024
1.4 Community feedback
A passenger survey conducted over two weekends in October 2023 at the Noosa Heads, Noosa
Junction and Noosa Civic bus stops revealed the following data obtained from 98 participants chosen
at random whilst they were waiting for the bus:
• 57% were Noosa Shire residents, 23% interstate, 11% intrastate and 9% overseas.
• 98% would recommend the free weekend buses to others.
• 83% said that the free buses were important in their decision to catch a bus.
• 86% of respondents were satisfied with the free bus service.
• 37% would have driven by car, 17% by Taxi or Uber if the bus was not free.
The are no changes proposed in this report for the free weekend bus services. Council will monitor
the State Government’s 50c fare trial and review the program if required.
2. GO NOOSA BEHAVIOUR CHANGE INITIATIVES
The Go Noosa behaviour change is currently focused on the Go Noosa Schools program. Critical
traffic congestion is experienced in the mornings and afternoons around schools in Cooroy,
Tewantin, Noosaville and Sunshine Beach arising from private vehicles being used
to transport students at school. The Go Noosa Schools program in 2023/24FY included:
• Promoting national awareness days such as National Walk Safely to School Day and
National Ride 2 School Day.
• Year 4 bike skills offered to all primary schools.
• Providing support and incentives to the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club and Noosaville State
School for their walking school bus initiative “Two Feet Tuesdays”.
• Offering in-class presentations to years five, seven and eight.
• In-class activities including workbooks, activity pages and let’s walk, ride or carpool to school
postcards.
The behaviour change initiatives are limited by availability of resources and budget, and are
undertaken incidentally to other operational imperatives. Council staff are monitoring grant programs
to take advantage of any funding opportunities to expand the Behaviour Change program.
3. GO NOOSA HOLIDAYS
The preceding sections of the report focused on non-peak programs focused on everyday
movements for residents. Supplementing these programs is the Go Noosa Holidays program which
implements various initiatives to address peak holiday congestion.
Over 14,000 vehicles enter the Hastings Street precinct per day during the peak holiday
periods, between the Munna Point Bridge and Noosa Drive adjacent to Noosa Heads Lions Park.
The road network is at capacity even before the vehicles have reached any available parking.
On 3 January 2022, the Go Noosa traffic survey identified over 38,000 pedestrian movements on
the Hastings Street roundabout.
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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 12 AUGUST 2024
The Go Noosa peak period initiatives aim to manage traffic and congestion over
the Queensland Christmas and Easter school holidays, whilst prioritising pedestrian, bike, bus and
ferry movements.
The plan includes a range of measures to encourage the use of sustainable transport, including free
bus travel on existing Translink bus services within Noosa Shire, provision of the high
frequency 065 Go Noosa Shuttle, promotion of park & ride locations, promotion of the Noosa ferry,
traffic control and wayfinding signage to assist the movement of pedestrians, buses and vehicle
flow, data collection, enforcement, and collaboration with key stakeholders to market and promote
Go Noosa.
The proposed Go Noosa Holidays program includes:
3.1 Free Holiday Buses - Queensland Christmas and Easter School Holidays
The free holiday bus services are a partnership with the State Government Department and
Translink.
Existing Translink Services
The following existing Translink bus services are included in the Go Noosa peak period traffic
management plan:
• Route 626 – Tewantin to Sunrise Beach via Noosa Heads
• Route 627 – Tewantin to Sunshine Beach via Noosa Head
• Route 628 – Noosa Parklands to Noosa Junction, via Noosa Civic
• Route 629 – Tewantin to Noosa Junction via Noosa Civic
• Route 632 – Noosa to Cooran via Cooroy and Pomona (limited services)
Additional Bus Services
• 064 Peregian Beach to Noosa Heads shuttle bus from 7.32am to 5.32pm. Due to
the Translink ticketing system, the existing 620 bus service between Peregian Beach and
Noosa Heads is unable to accommodate free travel on the Noosa component of the service.
To offer a free service to residents and visitors between Peregian Beach and Noosa Heads,
the 064 additional bus service is commissioned. This cost of this service per passenger is
2.3 times higher than the 065 and Translink services.
• 065 Go Noosa shuttle Bus - The popular route services Hastings Street, Noosa
Drive, Weyba Road and Noosa Parade runs every 15 minutes from 7am-7pm and every 30
minutes from 7pm-10pm with the exception of New Year’s Eve when it finishes at 1am.
Excluded Bus Services:
• Translink bus services 620, 622, 630, and 631 travel outside of Noosa Shire and are unable
to be included in the free services due to the Translink ticketing process as described above.
There are no changes proposed to the existing free holiday bus services for the foreseeable
future. Council staff are advocating for improved services the Department of Transport and Main
Roads, particularly as part of the Northern Sunshine Coast Public Transport
Strategy (see https://www.yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au/northern-sunshine-coast-public-
transport-strategy ), the scheduled Translink Network Review and the future capability
of Translink Smart Ticketing.
In regard to Translink Smart Ticketing, inclusion of the Noosa component of part of relevant services
will be reviewed as part of Translink’s Smart Ticketing introduction across the region. It is hoped
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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 12 AUGUST 2024
that the system will be able to support the free travel specifically within Noosa Shire consistent with
Go Noosa initiatives but requires further deliberations with Translink.
The State Government’s 50c fare initiative is acknowledged and staff will monitor the impacts on the
Go Noosa program. The following services will continue to be rolled unless there are changes to the
above-mentioned influences:
3.2 Park & Ride
Council implements a program of satellite car parks linked to a convenient bus service to encourage
modal shift to encourage people to park outside of the congested tourist areas and utilise free buses.
The following dedicated Park and Ride locations are provided:
• Noosa AFL grounds. Noosaville
• The J, Noosa Junction
• Rufous Street, Peregian Beach
• Noosa Junction Transit Centre, and the old Bowls car park (subject to approval from the
landowner)
It is proposed that, future satellite park and ride sites will be explored and promoted in more
locations across the shire including Sunshine Beach, Peregian Beach and other parts of Noosaville..
Park & Ride locations are promoted through:
• Go Noosa wayfinding signage
• Marketing material including posters and flyers distributed to accommodation providers
• Social media posts
• Council’s website
• Variable message signs.
3.3 Traffic Management
Traffic Control at Main Beach
Traffic control measures are used on an as need basis, over the busy Christmas / New Year, two-
week period, and the Easter long weekend focused on critical intersections at Noosa Heads and
Main Beach including the Noosa Drive / Noosa Parade intersection and the Hastings Street / Noosa
Drive intersection. The use and number of traffic controllers is based on anticipated demand,
forecasted weather and surf conditions, and previous traffic data. Traffic control may be cancelled
due to wet weather. The purpose of the traffic control is to:
• Give priority to buses and pedestrians
• Manage pedestrian interaction with vehicles
• Manage traffic flow and queue length by coordinating vehicle and pedestrian
movements on Noosa Drive and Noosa Parade.
• Assist vehicles and residents exiting Park Road and Little Cove of an afternoon.
The use of traffic control is constantly monitored, evaluated and reviewed during operation with
changes made as required, in consultation with the Hastings Street Association and
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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 12 AUGUST 2024 traffic engineers. The program will continue to adjust to help manage congestion, whilst being conscious of the cost of traffic control initiatives to ratepayers. The traffic control is considered to be particularly useful at the “shoulder“ peak congestion periods to improve circulation for several hours each day, but usually each peak day there is a period of traffic failure where due to the sheer volume of private cars, traffic movements are severely constrained. Wayfinding To assist motorists, pedestrians and bus passengers, temporary wayfinding signage will be installed along key roadways, pathways and bus stops to help promote park and ride locations, and pedestrian desire lines. A bus passenger assistant is also provided at the Noosa Heads Bus Interchange to assist passengers with wayfinding during the busy Christmas New Year period. 3.4 Noosa Heads Parking Parallel parking – Hastings Street In an effort to decrease vehicular traffic, expand pedestrian pathways, and support convenient motorbike and scooter users around the Hastings St / Noosa Drive roundabout, the four parallel parking spaces on the southern side of Hastings Street are repurposed to scooter/motorbike parking for the 2024/25 peak period. Police vehicle and rideshare bays Consistent with arrangements for 2023/24 peak period It is proposed that three car parks on Noosa Drive, between Noosa Parade and Hastings Street, adjacent to the taxi rank will again be converted to a designated parking bay for the Police Beat Van for the 2024/25 peak period. In addition, it is proposed that one of the bays be used for Rideshare set down and pick up. This will assist with companies such as Door Dash and Uber, double parking and blocking the road to pick up passengers and food orders from the restaurants. It is also noted that this initiative will also assist in resolution of traffic congestion that arises from arising from vehicle halting and waiting for changeover of carparks. This situation often causes total traffic failure of the nearby roundabouts due to stalled traffic National Park For the 2024/25 FY, it is proposed to investigate the provision of additional disability parking bays, bicycle racks and scooter/motorbike parking in high use areas such as the National Park in preparation for the 24/25 peak period. These changes would be made on a permanent basis to assist with ongoing behaviour change and cater for the increased number of moped and e-bike riders. Any changes would be in consultation with National Parks and Council’s Local Laws team. Noosa Heads Lion Park and Main Beach “People's Park” / Drop Off Zone Other relevant initiatives include the Noosa Heads Lions Park and the Main Beach Peoples Park / Drop Off Zone. Due to the significant interest in these topics these have been address in separate sections of this report.
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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 12 AUGUST 2024
4. CAR PARK TECH TRIAL
A significant new initiative was implemented for the first time in the 23/34 peak to better understand
carparking demand and movements. The six-week Car Park Tech Trail, commenced on 9
December 2023 and continued until the end of the Queensland school holidays on 21 January 2024.
Variable message signs (VMS) were strategically placed at key entry points to Noosa Heads to
provide drivers heading into the Noosa Heads precinct with real-time parking information, to assist
them in making an informed choice about trying to park in the Noosa Heads precinct over the
busy Christmas holidays. Outer VMS boards displayed the overall occupancy on one side of the
board, with the park and ride bus location on the other side for the free shuttle into Hastings St.
The car park technology trial was also implemented to gather valuable data to help make informed
decisions about traffic and parking management, and local law enforcement in the busy Noosa
Heads precinct.
Following an extensive evaluation process, SenSen Networks Ltd, a leader in car park
technology, was selected to spearhead the initiative.
The trial aimed to provide real-time parking information to motorists enroute to the Noosa Heads
precinct. The trial, exploratory in nature, was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the
technology to inform motorist behaviour, provide valuable parking data insights and test the
capability of the use for law enforcement.
It is important to note that this trial did not involve paid parking. Instead, it utilised number plate
recognition technology to gather data on parking duration, frequency of visits, origin of visitors, and
the potential for future enforcement applications.
The insights gained demonstrate car park technology will significantly enhance operational
efficiency, particularly for the Local Laws team, allowing them to allocate resources to other areas of
need, and improve safety by reducing face to face interactions.
The technology also provides a continuous set of valuable information that will help inform the
parking management plan and future strategies.
Full information on the outcomes of the Car Park Tech Trial are contained in Attachment 1 Car Park
Technology Review.
5. MARKETING
A marketing program is devised each year in response to the complexity of the program. The
objectives of the Go Noosa marketing plan are to:
• Raise awareness of alternative transport options to driving, such as Park & Ride, Free Buses,
walking and cycling and the Noosa Ferry.
• Offer a relaxed and stress-free alternative to driving a car into the Hastings Street precinct.
Marketing methods include:
• Posters at key bus stops and Council facilities
• A5 Flyers delivered to accommodation providers
• Energex pole banners
• Signage at bus stops
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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 12 AUGUST 2024
• Wayfinding signage
• Variable message signs
• Park and Ride signage
• Paid newspaper advertisements
• Noosa Council media channels – Facebook, website, newsletter, messages on hold, media
releases.
6. GO NOOSA HOLIDAYS EVALUATION
The performance of the Go Noosa peak period traffic management plan is evaluated against
previous years’ data and assist in refining future peak period traffic management plans as part of
continuous improvement. Sources of data include but are not limited to:
• Bus patronage data
• Bus travel time information
• Pedestrian and cyclist counts
• Traffic counts
• Vehicle queue length data
• Car park technology trial
• On ground observations by Council staff
• Stakeholder feedback.
A snapshot of the Go Noosa Holidays evaluation is contained in Attachment 2: Go Noosa 2023-24
Evaluation
7. PAID PARKING - NOOSA HEADS LIONS PARK
For over 20 years, the Noosa Heads Lions Park has been used as an overflow paid car park during
the Christmas and Easter school holidays as part of a fundraising campaign by the Tewantin Noosa
Lions Club. The public land is a reserve for recreation under the trustee of Noosa Council.
It is noted that representatives of the Noosa Heads Lions Club met with Council representatives
recently and made submissions for ongoing use of the temporary carpark over the forthcoming
Christmas and Easter. The submission included an outline of the of the charitable pursuits
undertaken by the Lions Club with generated funds. A copy of the submission can be provided to
Councillors.
The continued use of the park reserve for temporary carparking for the 23/24 Peak period was
subject to significant Council deliberation at its meeting in March 2023 with the resolution as follows.
Ordinary Meeting Minutes, 16 March 2023
NOOSA HEADS LIONS PAID PARKING – EXTENSION OF PARKING TO 1 MAY 2024
That Council note the report by the Project Manager Special Projects to the General Committee
Meeting dated 13 March 2023 and
A. Note that Council’s resolution on 17 September, 2020 allowed temporary parking in the
Noosa Heads Lions Park on long weekends and school holidays during the Queensland
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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 12 AUGUST 2024
Government’s Covid 19 Public Health Declaration, principally to accommodate the South-
East Queensland Drive tourism market during interstate and international travel restrictions
that were imposed as a response to the pandemic;
B. Note that the Queensland Government’s COVID 19 Public Health Declaration ended from
October 31, 2022;
C. Note that continued use of the Noosa Heads Lions Park greenspace for car parking on
long weekends and school holidays is contrary to the Department of Resources park
designation, the Noosa Design Principles, the Noosa Plan, The Transport Strategy and the
spirit and intent of Council’s September 17, 2020 resolution;
D. Note that shire-wide free weekend buses, that provide alternative means of accessing
the Noosa Heads precinct, was introduced to the network in February 2022;
E. Discontinue car parking in the Noosa Heads Lions Park on long weekends and
Queensland July and September school holidays after this Easter Period, as per the
September 17, 2020 Council resolution;
F. Approve the use of the Noosa Heads Lions Park Reserve for paid parking during
Christmas and Easter School holidays for a further 12 months, with delegation to the CEO
to reduce the days subject to weather, over the following periods:
• Queensland Christmas school holidays including Saturday 9, Sunday 10,
Saturday 16, Sunday 17, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 December 2023, Tuesday
26 December 2023 to Sunday 14 January 2024, Saturday 20 to 21 January
2024;
• Queensland Easter school holidays from Friday 29 March to Sunday 14 April
2024;
G. Write to the Minister of the Department of Resources to request the proposed use of
Noosa Heads Lions Park Reserve for peak period parking during the above-mentioned
periods, and that community engagement and future use of the park is proposed to be
undertaken as part of Noosa Council’s Destination Management Plan;
H. Delegate the CEO to work with the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club to determine new paid
carparking pricing for Lions Park that offsets the reduction in revenue and better reflects the
cost of carparking on community greenspace in the Hastings Street precinct;
I. Approve allocation of 50% of the car parking revenue after GST to the Tewantin Noosa
Lions Club and the remaining revenue towards Go Noosa initiatives and park remediation;
J. That an amount equivalent to 50% of Council’s share of the ‘profit’ from car parking in the
Noosa Heads Lions Park Reserve be held ‘in reserve’ and allocated to recreational
improvements in Noosa Heads Lions Park for residents and visitors alike, noting that the
term ‘profit’ refers to Council’s share of the revenue less costs associated with parking on
the reserve; and
K. Seek community feedback on the use of Noosa Heads Lions Park for car parking.
L. Request a report to Council advising of traffic modelling and future impact, should the
park no longer be utilised for overflow parking at peak periods.
M. Offer assistance to transition to the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club in sourcing future
fundraising opportunities as they become available.
It is noted that in relation to item H above the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club Share of revenue
was negotiated at 60% with a rain allowance of $1,600 per day for the 23/24 peak season.
Data, as contained in Attachment 2 outlines that on average 239 cars per day in the Christmas
Period and 149 cars per day in the Easter Period used the space for carparking. Revenue to the
Lion Cub was $89,280 and Council was $20,174.54 over the operating period, noting wet weather
days were significant during the Christmas period hampering returns.
In regard to the resolution above it is noted that no formal process of community feedback has been
undertaken to inform any decision moving forward about the ongoing temporary use of the Noosa
Heads Lions Park for carparking. As advised separately to Council, the significant staff resignations
and turnover in the transport and traffic team and have significantly hindered advancement of key
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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 12 AUGUST 2024
transport and traffic initiatives. The recent recruitment of the Sustainable Transport Co-ordinator
and other qualified staff will see proactive resumption of initiatives. It is noted however that Phase 1
of the DMP engagement process, early feedback indicating a strong preference by respondents for
green space not to be used for carparking.
A traffic review completed by an independent engineer has indicated that the removal of the overflow
parking at Lions Park, will not increase congestion, rather it will assist with traffic flows on Noosa
Parade. It is also note that traffic controllers have also shared their feedback on the negative impact
Lions Paid Parking has on days that it is operational, compared to when it is closed.
For consideration is also the number of carparking spaces provided in context to the scale of traffic
movements. The daily average number of vehicle entering the precinct at Christmas time
was 13,175, with the temporary car parking catering for on average 239 carparking spaces, or 1.8%
of vehicle movements.
Accordingly, there is no recommendation to continue the use of the Noosa Heads Lions Park for the
2024/25 peak season.
In term of broader initiatives moving forward to better manage carparking demand in the locality
include;
• A Parking Management Plan is under preparation, which will include a local area plan
for Noosa Heads
• A Movement and Place study is proposed for the 25/26 FY, that closely considers
future use of the Noosa Heads Lions Park, the Noosa Heads Bus Station, the Maze
Carpark and the Main Beach Local Government Reserve and holistically considered
the uses, design and circulation within these critical spaces for Noosa Heads
Both these initiatives will be subject to further Council reports and community engagement.
8. MAIN BEACH “PEOPLE'S PARK / DROP OFF ZONE”
8.1 Outline
The public land beside the Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club in Main Beach is a reserve for local
government purposes under the trustee of Noosa Council. The space has historically been used for
carparking as a main entry point to access Main Beach.
As part of a continuous improvement exercise in the 23/24 Christmas period the space was
repurposed for two-week peak period from the 23 December 2023 to 7 January 2024.as a Main
Beach Peoples Park / Drop Off zone to improve traffic circulation, improve precinct safety during
New Years Eve, as well as improve emergency vehicle and surf lifesaving access to the patrolled
beach.
The proposal to improve the traffic circulation around the Hastings Street roundabout, due to traffic
queueing into the roundabout whilst vehicles were dropping off in the entrance or waiting for a park,
causing blockage on Hasting Street. This has been a contentious point for residents and businesses
for many years. There are also aligned concerning concerns for pedestrian safety on the entrance
ramp, particularly the congregation around the toilet entrance
Reducing the number of vehicles queuing on the entrance ramp to the car park thereby decreased
the likelihood of pedestrian and vehicle conflicts at the main entrance to Main Beach during the
festive season. To better manage pedestrian and vehicle movements in the area, the duration was
extended.
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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 12 AUGUST 2024 In addition, the space was created following requests from the Queensland Police Service and Queensland Ambulance Service to bolster safety measures in the Hastings Street precinct for the busy New Year’s Eve weekend. Historically, the Maze Car Park (Cnr of Hastings St. Noosa Dr and Noosa Pde), located at the intersection of Hastings Street and Noosa Drive, was transformed into an emergency response hub to manage the surge in visitors and related incidents during this peak time at a high-profile location. The primary goal of this initiative was to enhance public safety and to cater for increased pedestrian movements during the busy Christmas and New Year period. A key strategy involved relocating the emergency response operations from the Maze Car Park to a more central position. This decision, made after consultation with the Hastings Street Association, Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club and emergency services, was intended to improve visibility, strengthen police presence, and create a safer atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. It also allowed for a more subtle management of disturbances, thereby reducing the impact on the Hastings Street area. The trial saw the conversion of 42 car parks into the following: • Additional disability parking bay, to four in total. • Retention of the four existing Surf Life Saving car parks • Two Council operational bays for Council vehicles and facility management • Additional scooter and motorbike parking • A six-vehicle drop-off/pick-up bay including seating • Additional trees and four marquees and nine picnic tables • Additional camera surveillance and lighting. Parameters around design of the space included cost effectiveness for the purposes of the trail, as well as being resilient to storm events and vandalism in a particularly exposed location.
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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 12 AUGUST 2024
Figure 2: Layout of Main Beach Peoples Park / Drop Off Zone”
Figure 3 and 4: Main Beach Peoples Park / Drop off Zone
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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 12 AUGUST 2024
8.2 Cost
As a temporary measure, the pop-up park was established with a budget of $30,000. The intention
was to assess its success and public acceptance for the purposes of a trail without excessive
financial investment over a short period of time. Costs included: staff for setting-up and dismantling,
plant and equipment, marques, line marking, signage, additional lighting and surveillance.
Existing materials such as the sandstone blocks, bollards, park benches and stormwater pits (which
were use as plant holders) were used to reduce costs and purchasing unnecessary equipment. The
trees were also reallocated to projects once the park was disassembled.
8.3 Community feedback
Feedback from the community indicated a mixed response. Negative comments focused on the loss
of carparking spaces and accepted access to the beach. Constructive comments highlighting the
need for improvements in its execution, including additional bicycle parking and restroom facilities.
On the ground observations witnessed the drop-off zone and scooter parking receiving the best
response from users. The park benches were underutilised in the morning, with the covered tables
being utilised from midday to early evening. Users of the drop-off zone included: Uber and other
rideshare services for drop-off and pick-up, workers were dropped-off and picked-up by friends and
family, the area also assisted people with a disability, youth and families who were unable to get a
park to be safely dropped-off, and wait by the designated zone while family members went in search
of a park or collected the car.
Park users were also encouraged to provide their written feedback on the trial, which 58 responses
were received. Thirty-five respondents were against the concept. Twenty-two respondents liked or
supported the concept with changes. Two were neutral and willing to wait and see how the trial
went.
Themes from the 60% of respondents against the park included:
• There is already ample seating and parks for people.
• Cost was a concern for several residents, including the cost of staff.
• Concerns over boom gates and no access for two weeks for disability users.
• Early morning swimmers who have parked in the same car park everyday, had a sense of
ownership and did not like that they did not have access to “their” car park.
• Execution was poor, “black bitumen oven”.
• There is no use trying things like this and removing car parks as there is no solution for the
congestion.
• Need to move the people’s park to Lions Park, the irony of returning a car park to the people
and putting cars in the park.
• People went to Gympie Terrace instead.
• Lack of community consultation, community sentiment should outweigh traffic management
improvements.
• Better utilised for a toilet block.
• Need multi-story car parks, paid parking and timed parking instead, car park for residents
only.
• No improvement to traffic.
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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 12 AUGUST 2024
• Perceived loss of business for restaurants.
• Underutilised.
The name People’s Park particularly conjured up negative connotations due to the need for a park
to cater for tourists, and giving the park back to the people, when the many respondents are
seeking more parking.
Themes from respondents for or undecided about the park included:
• Liked the reduction of cars and the usual chaos, reduced road rage, made the area feel more
relaxed.
• Don’t give up on the concept, refreshing to see the space reclaimed for pedestrians, ignore
the negative.
• Take it a step further and close Hastings St.
• Loved that they could drop of boards and beach gear close to the beach.
• Would have normally gone home after the beach, but the shade and tables allowed them to
have takeaway in the area.
• Safer for pedestrians on the ramp, it made the entry roundabout and footpath less congested
and more pleasant to traverse.
• Make it permanent, permanent drop off zone in the car park, permanent increase in scooter
and e-bike parking.
• Great to see locals opting to ride scooters and e-bikes.
• Liked the concept but...
o Did not like the music
o Needs to be executed better, underwhelming, e.g. more visually pleasing, more plants
o Underutilised in the morning
o Add additional toilets
o More disability parking bays.
More recently A petition containing 1,022 e-signatures and 18 physical signatures was presented to
Council’s Ordinary Meeting on 18 July 2024 titled, Return the People's Park to a Carpark. The
petitioner stated:
“We express our opposition to the “People’s Park” on Hastings St and call on Noosa Council to
immediately abandon this absurd project and return the location to a dedicated carpark. The project
has seen the loss of 40 valued carparks in a location they are most required, made worse by the
timing with the peak holiday period.”
Staff acknowledge this feedback and will seek further clarification on the dates and locality of
signatories. It is noted that the petition also evolved to cover the removal of other existing car parks
around Noosa Shire in response to the Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Masterplan, and has
been provided as a change.org snapshot without residential data.
8.4 Traffic Circulation
Following discussions with Hastings Street stakeholders it is considered that the trial was a success
in improving traffic circulation in Hastings Street, particularly removal of obstructions in traffic
travelling to Little Cove / Noosa National Park.
8.5 Surf Safety
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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 12 AUGUST 2024
The layout significantly improves access for official surf lifesaving vehicles and emergency service
vehicles, with a dedicated area immediately adjacent to the beach. For context it is note that the
23/24 holiday season that significant increase in drownings across Australia. Links
for relevant articles are provided below.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-01/nsw-summer-beach-drowning-toll-worst-of-all-
time/102038332
https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/research-and-policy/drowning-research/summer-drowning-toll
In this context it is considered that the layout is beneficial.
8.6 New Year's Eve Security
As outlined above the space was closed to all traffic for New Year’s Eve and used as a staging and
response area for emergency services and support services. Post-event evaluation
has indicated that the implementation of the New Year’s Eve rapid response area met its objectives,
with festivities considerable safer and with less incidents than in 2022/23. Improvements would be
welcome in terms of improved room for emergency services, and better support from Council staff
during the evening
A comprehensive review is scheduled prior to the upcoming 2024 New Year’s Eve celebration. This
review will involve detailed discussions with Hastings Street Association, Noosa Heads Surf Life
Saving Club, Queensland Police Service and Queensland Ambulance Service to refine and enhance
the 2024/25 strategy further.
8.7 Recommendation for 2024/25 Christmas Season
It is proposed that the site be used again from the 23 December 2024 to 5 January 2025 as an
operational area incorporating community suggestions, such as keeping the drop-off zone, and
increasing parking for disability permit holders, Surf Life Savers, scooters and motorbikes. Instead
of the people’s park, it is proposed to investigate the feasibility of procuring additional temporary
toilet blocks and bicycle parking and improving the operational area.
A communications plan will be developed and rolled out as part of Council’s holiday operations.
To help improve traffic flow, access for all abilities, pedestrian safety and amenities access, it is
proposed that the Main Beach Car Park, be temporarily converted to an alternate layout during the
busy Christmas two-week period. The proposed layout will consider the following requests subject
to funding and site requirements:
• Rebranding as the “Main Beach Drop Off Zone: to better describe its purpose and intent
• Additional disability parking bays
• Additional scooter/motorbike parking bays
• Additional Surf Lifesaving parking bays
• Drop-off and pick-up zone, with seating in the waiting bays.
• Additional temporary toilets.
A full two-day closure of the area is proposed to take place for the New Years Eve Emergency
response area.
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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 12 AUGUST 2024
Link to Corporate Plan
Theme No. 2 - Liveability
Liveability encompasses housing, facilities and services, transport, health and wellbeing to enable
an inclusive, connected and vibrant community.
Objective 2.4
Advocate and partner with all levels of government for increased funding for connected transport
nodes, transit hubs, including walking, cycling and public transport and explore opportunities through
smart city, smart biosphere and innovation to transform the way we move around and engage in our
community.
Previous Council Consideration
In addition to the resolution on the Noosa Heads Lions Park outlined above, the following
resolution is pertinent
Ordinary Meeting Minutes, 26 October 2023
NOOSA SHIRE COUNCIL SOLE AND SPECIALISED LISTS
That Council note the report by the Procurement and Contracts Advisor to the Services &
Organisation Committee Meeting, dated 10 October 2023 and
A. Adopt the amended Sole Supplier list provided at Attachment 1 of the report for the next
twelve (12) months; and
B. Adopt the amended Specialised Supplier list provided at Attachment 2 of the report for the
next twelve (12) months.
This report endorses the inclusion of Translink, Kinetic and CDC on the Specialised supplier list for
procurement of the free holiday and weekend buses.
Finance
Consistent with previous years, it is proposed that the 2024-25 Go Noosa program be funded by the
Sustainable Transport Levy, and any funding shortfalls will be funded by general rates. The below
table details all proposed initiatives and estimated costs. (Exact costs were not available at the time
of writing this report, estimates are based on quotations from previous Go Noosa Christmas &
Easter services).
Table 1: Community Transport Initiatives Cost Estimates 2024/25
Initiatives Total estimated
costs ex gst
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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 12 AUGUST 2024
Free weekend buses $287,000
Route 626 – Tewantin to Sunrise Beach via Noosa Heads
Route 627 – Tewantin to Sunshine Beach via Noosa Heads
Route 628 – Noosa Parklands to Noosa Junction, via Noosa Civic
Route 629 – Tewantin to Noosa Junction via Noosa Civic
Route 632 – Noosa to Cooran via Cooroy and Pomona
Marketing
Council Cabs
Boreen Point Flexilink Service
Table 2: Go Noosa Behaviour Change Cost Estimates 2024/25
Initiatives Total estimated
costs ex gst
Behaviour change campaigns and data collection $55,000
Go Noosa Schools
National walk and ride to school day incentives
Walking School bus incentives
Year four bike skills delivered to all primary schools
Bike maintenance and safety sessions at select high schools
Collateral including in class activity books and let’s walk, ride or car pool to
school postcards.
Community bike skills sessions
Table 3: Go Noosa Holidays Initiatives and Cost Estimates 2024/25
Initiatives Details Combined
Xmas and
Easter 2024-
25 estimated
costs ex gst
Free buses Christmas Route 626 – Tewantin to Sunrise Beach via Noosa Heads $465,000
and Easter QLD School Route 627 – Tewantin to Sunshine Beach via Noosa Heads
Holidays Route 628 – Noosa Parklands to Noosa Junction, via Noosa
Civic
Route 629 – Tewantin to Noosa Junction via Noosa Civic
Route 632 – Noosa to Cooran via Cooroy and Pomona
065 Go Noosa Shuttle Bus
064 Peregian Beach – Noosa Heads Bus
Parking & Wayfinding signage 175,000
Traffic Management Ex. AFL Grounds Park and Ride
Paid Parking and VMS boards
Main Beach Park Traffic control
Parallel parking conversions
Additional Bike Racks
Main Beach Car Park conversion including:
Additional facilities such as waste, toilets, seating
etc.
Temporary Parking Changes
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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 12 AUGUST 2024
New Year’s Eve Emergency responders’ zone.
Marketing Promotion of Go Noosa (banners, flyers, news print etc.) $35,000
Combined Total Go Noosa Christmas 2024-25 & Easter 2025 $675,000
Risk & Opportunities
Strategically the movement of residents and visitors in Noosa is a key risk for our society and
economy. The need for more sustainable transport methods and congestion issues during peak
periods are not isolated to Noosa, but shared with key resort locations across Australia and the
world.
The opportunity is to learn from other localities across Australia and the world to respond to
movement challenges. The focus on modal shift to active and public transport is a consistent
approach.
Reputational risks are also a factor in such a highly political and contentious issue for residents and
the general public. It is important that the reputational risks are managed by making informed
decisions, based on facts and data, supported by quality community engagement programming.
Other risks relate to funding and staff resourcing. The Go Noosa program is not entirely funded by
the Transport Levy, and initial consultation for Councils Destination Management Plan has raised
broad concerns over funding models supporting the visitor economy. In term of staff resourcing, the
team has seen a 80% turnover in the last 18 months, and significant difficulty in recruiting
replacement roles. A dedicated Sustainable Transport Coordinator
has recently commenced and recruitment drive underway for vacant positions
Financial contractual risks include the increasing costs of materials and services beyond, the
existing transport levy. Budgets are based on the previous year’s spend plus a 5% contingency
to accommodate price variation.
Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
The Go Noosa initiatives are implemented in consultation with key stakeholders such as:
• Hastings Street Association
• Translink
• Queensland Police Service
• Queensland Ambulance Service.
Data and community feedback were gathered through
• Go Noosa Weekends feedback surveys 2023
• Car Park Tech Trial social media and in person survey January 2024
• Written feedback on Main Beach People’s Park.
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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 12 AUGUST 2024
A specific communication plan concerning the recommendations pertaining to the Noosa Heads
Lion Park and the Main Beach Drop Off Zone will be drafted and implemented following any Council
resolution.
Internal Consultation
Departments consulted:
Office of the CEO, Mayor & Community Services Corporate Services
Councillors
Mayor & Councillors Director Director
Chief Executive Officer Community Development x Financial Services
Executive Officers Sport & Active Lifestyles Fleet
x Community Engagement Arts & Culture Revenue Services
People & Culture Community Connection ICT
Governance Customer Experience Procurement
Commercial Property
Strategy & Environment Development & Regulation Infrastructure Services
Director Director x Director
x Strategic Land Use Planning Development Assessment x Infrastructure Planning,
Design and Delivery
x Economic Development & x Local Laws Civil and Asset operations
Destination Management
Environmental Services Environmental Health Waste
Innovation & Digital Hub Building & Plumbing Building & Facilities
Property / Permits Disaster Management