2014-03-25 Infrastructure & Services Committee Agenda

INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES MEETING AGENDA                                      25 MARCH 2014


In conjunction with these works the current design includes pedestrian facilities which aim to
formalise the current pedestrian desire lines. This approach brings the current pedestrian risk
from a level 5 down to a level 3, but still represents a substantial risk.

The pedestrian facilities can be removed from the cycle lane project without compromising the
50:50 funding provided from TMR if Council proceeds with this project.

1.2    Noosa Parade Transit Hub

An outcome of the naming of this project in the Capital Works Program has raised awareness
with regard to the future of the existing Noosa Parade bus facility.

At the time of planning of the Noosa Junction Transit Centre, there was a general understanding
that any decisions on the future of the Noosa Parade facility would wait until the new transit
centre was complete and operational for at least 12 months.

However, there is still recognition that the Noosa Parade facility is the second most important
stop within Noosa Shire and a draft report entitled ‘Noosa Transit Hubs Concept Development’
was prepared for comment in 2007 to maintain the momentum on public transport as a modal
shift.

Current statistics now show that Noosa Parade forms an important role in the network hierarchy
and current patronage generally exceeds 140,000 patrons in a 12 month period. Although the
Noosa Junction Transit Centre has shifted some demand, patronage remains high at the Noosa
Parade stop due to the attractions of Hastings Street, Main Beach and the Noosa National Park.

The 2007 draft report investigated various layout configurations and options and is the only
document available today which examines the precinct, albeit with a transport focus.

It is proposed that fresh planning be carried out on the full precinct that extends between the
Noosa Lions Park and the ‘Maze’ car park to consider Council’s best options for the future having
regard to traffic, transport, pedestrians, open space and event needs.

Risks

Some risks are outlined regarding the risk to pedestrians with the current project design. These
may be mitigated with alternative future planning.

Previous Council Consideration

Nil.

Finance

Council has received $660,000 external funding from the SEQ Cycle Network Grant to deliver
cycle lanes on Noosa Drive and Noosa Parade. The Noosa Drive component of the funding
grant was completed in late 2013. This has left a balance amount of $110,000 for the Noosa
Parade project to be delivered before 30 June 2014. Both projects were tied to Council’s road
reseal program to create cost efficiencies and to leverage grant funding.

The SEQ Cycle Network Grant totalling $110,000 for the provision of on-road cycle lanes on
Noosa Parade will need to be expended by June 2014 otherwise it will have to be returned.




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