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

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