2017-07-11 S&O Agenda - Attachment 1 to Item 3 - Draft Sport & Active Recreation Plan

The Noosa Trail Network provides a series of 8 multi-use trails (total length approximately
90kms) suitable for bushwalkers, mountain bike rides and horse riders. Due to the linear
nature of trails they invariably transverse multiple tenures which can raise issues of liability,
safety, connection, maintenance etc.

Cyclists comprise of a range of users of varying age and abilities from competitive sports to
commuter to the family on a recreational ride. Cyclists have varying skill levels and needs.
When developing cycling/pathways infrastructure, consideration should be given to cyclists
who have not developed their road sense (eg children and inexperienced adults) through the
provision of adequate off-road facilities and safe road crossing facilities (particularly around
schools and sporting venues). Wayfinding signage (in line with Noosa Design principles)
along walking and cycle path networks is essential infrastructure that should be an inclusion
when planning and constructing any pathway to further encourage regular use in addition to
landscaping that provides natural shading along routes. Across the Shire ‘gaps’ or ‘missing
sections’ in trails and pathways have been identified which need to be addressed in line with
the Noosa Transport Strategy, Principle Cycle Network Plan SEQ and the Priority Routes
identified for Noosa.

Mountain biking is a experiencing a rapid growth, particularly in Noosa. The upgrade of
tracks in the Tewantin National Park (Wooroi section) has seen a significant increase in use,
putting significant pressure on trails and surrounding vegetation with the need for amenities
identified as a major concern for the public in the Noosa Physical Activity Participation
Survey.

The Sunshine Coast Cycling Club which operates regionally, has expressed the need for a
public velodrome in the region to meet the training and competition needs of track cyclists.
The closest velodrome is in Brisbane. A feasibility study would be required in partnership
with neighbouring LGAs, Cycling Qld and local stakeholders to inform the demand and
location of any future regional velodrome.

Given the high participation numbers, the increasing use of on-road and off-road trails and the
requests for additional infrastructure for cycling, the Shire would benefit from the development
of a cycle/bike plan that provided an evidenced-based and ‘master planned’ approach to all
types of cycling and the required infrastructure to meet current and future demand. This would
require significant input and consultation with surrounding LGAs, QPWS, peak bodies and
local stakeholders.

     Events
Noosa is home to a number of large scale sporting events. It is estimated that sporting events
contribute approximately $25 million each year to the local economy. The following is a list of
these annual events:
   Noosa Summer Swim (Feb)
   Noosa Festival of Surfing (March)
   Ultraman Australia (May)
   Noosa Ultimate Sports Festival (May)
   Sunshine Coastrek (July)
   Pomona King of the Mountain (July)
   Noosa Strade Bianche (August)
   Hydrothon Noosa (Sept)
   Noosa International Rugby Sevens Festival (October)
   Noosa Triathlon Multi Sports Festival (Oct-Nov)

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