EMU MOUNTAIN ROAD - SHARED PATHWAY · Report

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                       12 AUGUST 2024


Sunshine Coast Council are proposing the asset, whilst within Noosa Council boundaries, be
managed by Sunshine Coast Council through an infrastructure agreement.



RECOMMENDATION
That Council
     A. Note the report by the Director Infrastructure Services to the General Committee Meeting
        dated 12 August 2024;
     B. Support a shared path and cycleway along the northern side of Emu Mountain Road
        described at Option 1b to be funded and constructed by Sunshine Coast Council including
        the submission of grant applications by Sunshine Coast Council;
     C. Request Sunshine Coast Council liaise with environmental agencies and stakeholders to
        mitigate environmental impact of Option 1b including revegetation of batters and
        consideration of offset planting;
     D. Note that Noosa Council will refer any ongoing issues or concerns about performance of the
        crossing on David Low Way and / or vehicular congestion arising from modifications to the
        David Low Way roundabout to Sunshine Coast Council and TMR for their attention; and
     E. Authorise the CEO to execute an infrastructure agreement with Sunshine Coast Council for
        their ongoing maintenance of the proposed shared pathway including pavements,
        embankments and boardwalks.


REPORT
1.       PROPOSAL
Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) have undertaken design and documentation associated with a
proposed shared path and boardwalk on Emu Mountain Road, Peregian Beach. The proposed works
involve design of a new 3.0m shared path and boardwalk on Emu Mountain Road, between Old Emu
Mountain Road and David Low Way to provide an active transport connection from the Peregian
Breeze housing estate (within Sunshine Coast Council area) to Peregian Beach and Coolum.

The Peregian Breeze community is currently disconnected from attractors with no connecting
pathways or bus stops.
As the project is located within the Noosa Shire Council (NSC) area and within the Department of
Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) road reserve, both agencies are involved in the design process
as stakeholders.

Strategically the location of the pathway is consistent with the Noosa Cycling and Walking Strategy
Implementation Plan 2020-2040 Project Priority Plan and shown in Figure 1 below which shows the
link connecting to the coastal pathway.




Figure 1 – Extract from Noosa Cycling and Walking Strategy Implementation Plan

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                        12 AUGUST 2024



SCC initial options analysis and assessment reviewed the five options, these options and the project
extents are documented in the figure below.




Figure 2: Emu Mountain Shared Pathway Options.


A summary of options and analysis are provided in the table at Attachment 1.
Detailed     information     concerning       the     options     assessments has been
previously distributed to Councillors, but can be supplied again on request.


The detailed plan of the Sunshine Coast Council preferred option 1b is provided at Attachment
2. This Option 1b proposes a 3.0m wide pathway connection of a mix of concrete pathway and
boardwalk on the northern side of Emu Mountain Road, within Noosa Shire and adjacent to the
Noosa National Park.


The proposed design includes:
   •   Modifying the crossing point north of the David Low Way roundabout, which is managed by
       TMR rather than Noosa Shire Council.
   •   Changing the roundabout geometry to:
        o   Remove the merging lane to increase deflection and reduce vehicle speed at the
            roundabout exit and crossing point.
        o   Remove the on-road cycle lane to include an on-off cyclist ramp.
        o   Add a short entry lane to accommodate high traffic demand turning west onto Emu
            Mountain Drive.
        o   Modify the roundabout’s internal circulation.
Sunshine Coast Council are proposing to enter into an infrastructure agreement with Noosa Council
to undertake ongoing maintenance of the asset by Sunshine Coast Council, as the asset is within
Noosa Council boundaries and the asset supports residents within Sunshine Coast Council.

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                          12 AUGUST 2024


2.        ASSESSMENT


As summarised in Attachment 1, the assessment of the preferred option is complex, with competing
factors of Usability, Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED), Traffic and
Environmental / Landscape Impact, with no clear optimal recommendation from competing factors.


As outlined above, Option 1b requires roundabout modification including lane reduction and
deflection to reduce vehicle speed at the roundabout exit and improve safety at the crossing point.
Whilst the improvements to the safety of the crossing point are welcome, concerns are raised for
impacts on vehicle capacity at the roundabout and potential congestion or perceived congestion at
the roundabout arising from the changes.


In addition, Council’s 2016 Traffic Study has previously identified the future need for 4 traffic lanes
on the northern leg of the David Low Way / Emu Mountain Road roundabout, comprising the addition
of a longer merge departure lane and an additional short approach lane. The proposal to cross
pedestrians at this location may conflict with long- term road vehicular network planning


The extent of the road network under management of TMR is indicated in the figure below, with the
existing crossing point and exit lanes under TMR management. It is noted that any proposal for
redesign is long term in nature, and ideally provides an opportunity for an optimal crossing
environment for cyclists and pedestrians at that time.




Figure 3: TMR control of David Low Way Roundabout


On balance it is considered Option 1b the optimal outcome for the following reasons:
     •   The proposal is strategically consistent with Councils Cycling and Walking Strategy
     •   The proposal for active transport assist in reduction of carbon emissions and congestion
         reduction, by providing a viable cycling links for a significant number of residents west of
         Peregian Beach to access the beach and village without use of a private car
     •   Option 1b provides the most direct route for convenience of residents and optimal CPTED

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                       12 AUGUST 2024


   •   The scheme provides only one crossing on a major arterial, at the lowest speed environment
       available, supported by a controlled crossing further south in a 40kmhs speed environment
       for Coolum school students
   •   TMR / Sunshine Coast Council are satisfied that the arrangements meet traffic standards
       and is the safest option.
   •   Any longer-term redesign of the roundabout to meet traffic functionality can again consider
       optimal crossing environments
   •   The infrastructure will be under the maintenance of SCC, and the crossing point at the David
       Low Way roundabout under the management of TMR


The recommendations provided with the report provides mitigation for environmental impact on the
verge including revegetation of fill batters and exploration of offset planting.


In addition, the recommendations are also explicit in responsibility for community concerns arising
from crossing functionality any impacts on traffic congestion arising from the roundabout
modifications.
Link to Corporate Plan

Theme No. 2. - Liveability
Liveability encompasses housing, facilities and services, transport, health and wellbeing to
enable an inclusive, connected and vibrant community.
Objective 2.2
Fund and deliver accessible and improved parks, open spaces, walking and cycle paths and trails,
including greening our paths and cycleways to meet contemporary needs.


Previous Council Consideration
A series of Councillor briefings has been undertaken on the project over recent years
including the most recent on 26 October 2023.


Ordinary Meeting Minutes of the 16 November 2023
That Council note the report by the Director Infrastructure Services to the General
Committee Meeting dated 13 November 2023 and;
       A. Support the submission of a Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program
       Submission by Sunshine Coast Council for a shared path and cycleway along Emu
       Mountain Road, subject to:
          1. Further input by Noosa Council into the design by Sunshine Coast Council
          to reduce environmental and visual impact of the proposal; and
          2. Resolving pedestrian crossing and cycle safety issues on the David Low
          Way prior to acceptance of the final design
This previous report was provided in-confidence as the proposal was under active
consideration for Queensland Government cycle grant submission at that time, and the
report was provided in confidence to not pre-empt financial outcomes.

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                               12 AUGUST 2024



Finance
There are no immediate financial implications as the project is to be funded and maintained by SCC.

Future concerns are raised for any required upgrades to the David Low Way roundabout and
crossing point are vested with TMR.

Risk & Opportunities
There is risk concerning safety of pedestrians and cyclists at the crossing point to the northern side
of David Low Way. The crossing is considered by TMR and SCC to be the safest crossing point due
to the lowest speed environment available and do not support crossing on Emu Mountain Road.
They propose improvement of the safety through modification of the roundabout to decrease vehicle
speed. The crossing point is under the jurisdiction of TMR for management of any ongoing concerns.

Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
The cycling route was indicated as part of the Noosa Cycling and Walking Strategy 2020-2040
which had widespread consultation. Noosa Council has not undertaken any consultation on this
specific project.

There has been significant involvement with SCC and TMR on this project.
Internal Consultation
Departments consulted:

     Office of the CEO, Mayor &             Community Services               Corporate Services
             Councillors
 x      Mayor & Councillors           x     Director                    x    Director
        Chief Executive Officer             Community Development            Financial Services
        Executive Officers                  Sport & Active Lifestyles        Fleet
        Community Engagement                Arts & Culture                   Revenue Services
        People & Culture                    Community Connection             ICT
        Governance                          Customer Experience              Procurement

                                                                             Commercial Property

      Strategy & Environment              Development & Regulation          Infrastructure Services
 x      Director                      x     Director                    x    Director
        Strategic Land Use Planning         Development Assessment      x    Infrastructure      Planning,
                                                                             Design and Delivery
        Economic Development &              Local Laws                       Civil and Asset operations
        Destination Management
        Environmental Services              Environmental Health             Waste
        Innovation & Digital Hub            Building & Plumbing              Building & Facilities
                                            Property / Permits               Disaster Management