GO NOOSA TRANSPORT INITIATIVES 2023/24 EVALUATION AND 2024/25 IMPLEMENTATION · Report

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.