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Noosa U3A has been advised by Council planning staff that the parking requirements for adult
education is 1 space per employee; and 1 space per 10 students of driving age. However, PTT Traffic
Consultants have recommended a ratio of 1 car space per staff; 1 space per 2.5 members. This is the
ratio used for Semester 2. The PTT Pekol Traffic & Transport report dated 22 August 2018 at Appendix
E confirms the parking spaces provided by U3A Noosa meets Council’s planning requirements.

Figure 2. SEMESTER 2 PARKING DEMAND AT NOOSA U3A FACILITY MICHELL HOUSE

 

2 Parking Demand at Rate 1 Space per Staff; 1 Space per 2.5 Students
25
3
£ 20
S
£15
fe
oO
o 10
2
5
0
8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30
Class Start Time
——Max Demand ——=Spaces available
SUMMARY

It is proposed to change the operation of U3A Noosa at 64 Poinciana Avenue, Tewantin to meet the
needs of its members and at the same time conform to Council’s planning scheme. The most
important change is to provide an appropriate number of off-street carparking spaces. To achieve
this, class maximum sizes have been reduced, others have been cancelled and five have been moved
to external rented facilities with off-street parking. The result has been to reduce the range of classes
offered to members and lessen the need for street parking in the immediate neighbourhood. This is
confirmed in the PTT Pekol Traffic & Transport report.

The financial cost of these changes has been considerable. The hire of the Masonic Hall, Catholic
Church car park and Church Hall, together with future costs at The J, must be borne from class levies
paid by each student. Whilst these levies are modest they comprise 50% of Noosa U3A revenues and
will cause levies to be increased in the coming financial year. The more important issue is that Noosa
U3A will lose a significant proportion of its members because of these changes and its members, in
turn, must find other avenues for their academic, cultural, recreational and social activities in their
retirement years. It follows that much of the burden to cater for their wellbeing will pass to Noosa
Council.

It was noted during Semester 1 that a significant change in the wellbeing of members occurred in
Michell House when the prospect of classes being relocated outside Michell House became known.
Noosa U3A members enjoy the opportunity to meet and chat with their friends attending other classes
in the building which is an important purpose in our mission. With the rumours of planned reductions
in class sizes and relocation of classes it was obvious that the opportunity to meet and chat with others
would be hugely reduced.