Andrew Mccarthy

Thank you for the question and interest in the Noosaville Foreshore.   The cost of the first draft Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan, as released in June 2024 was $336,305 total budget. These costs include all consultants costs, staff costs and all on costs such as community engagement associated with the project.  As this is an infrastructure project for future assets.

It is important to note that the project was also subsidised by a $100,000 grant provided by Queensland Government QCoast2100 grant to provide coastal resilience concepts integrated into the foreshore masterplan.

In consideration of these costs, it is important to note that the Noosaville Foreshore covers over 2 kilometres, is the largest and most popular coastal urban park in Noosa, and has many users and complexities associated with a design process.

The infrastructure master plan, as well as providing community certainty, also provides a platform for future investment through grants and other income sources.  Council has projected $10millions of dollars in necessary asset renewal costs on the Noosaville Foreshore including revetments walls, pathways, stormwater pipers, carparks, playgrounds, river pontoons and jetties and park furniture.  Rather than rely on rates revenue from residents it can seek grants to subsidy and supplement necessary infrastructure costs.  Funding partners are seek clarity articulated through  an endorsed framework or master plan to ensure astute investment.  

Recent examples of Council Master Plans providing an astute investment platform include:

• Noosa Biosphere Trails Implementation Plan  - $30k has resulted in $3.2 million grant funding which 108 times the original investment.
• Noosa Cycling and Walking Strategy - $250k has resulted in $11.3 million grant funding which 45 times the original investment.
• Cooroy Sporting Complex Master Plan - $50k has resulted in $6.3 million grant funding which 126 times the original investment.
• Noosa District Sports Complex Master Plan - $50k has resulted in $4 million which 80 times the original investment.

These grant funding examples provide compelling examples of the value of Master Plan in the maintenance and improvement of valued community assets through grant funding, rather than relying solely on residents rates and why it is very important for Council to continue to prepare master plans for critical assets.

(Examples more fully described below but won't be part of the response)