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NOOSA RIVER RECREATIONAL BOATING FACILITIES - UPDATE (REFERRED FROM SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE DATED 6 MAY 2025)

Director Infrastructure Services, Shaun Walsh · Infrastructure Services Department

Executive summary

This report provides an update of progress on recreational boating facilities in the Noosa River in response to the Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) Recreational Boating Facilities Demand Forecast Study 2022. Progress, though limited, has been made on defining scope at three facilities including the Noosa Woods Jetty, the Noosaville Boat Ramp and the Hilton Esplanade Tewantin (Doonella Bridge) Boat Ramp. In addition, Council has been advised that funding is likely to be made available by MSQ for recreational boating facilities in the near future.

Recommendation

That Council note the report by the Director Infrastructure Services to the Services & Organisation Committee dated 6 May 2025 regarding Noosa River Recreational Boating Facilities.

Report

Update on Status The Recreational Boating Facilities Demand Forecast Study 2022 was undertaken by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and identified opportunities for improved recreation boating facilities in the Shire arising from increasing demand. This report provides an update on the status of initiatives considered by Council in its June 2023 consideration of the report. Noosa Woods Jetty Shoreline Civil and Marine Consulting has been commissioned to undertake an options assessment of renewal of the Noosa Woods Jetty. The terms of reference include public, commercial and potential future public transport use of a renewed facility, as well as clear articulation of design and statutory obligations. The initial scoping report is proposed to be presented to Council in the near future to determine next steps. Developed proposals will require external stakeholder engagement. Gympie Terrace Jetty The draft Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan (NFIMP) includes the proposed jetty and proposes ongoing improvement including replacement with a pontoon. The NFIMP is proposed to be presented at Council's June meeting for further consideration and intended to provide clarity for further upgrades and investment. Noosaville Boat Ramp and Supporting Pontoons The draft Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan (NFIMP) includes the boat ramp and proposes ongoing improvement including replacement of jetties / pontoons. The Master Plan also considers the relationship with the adjacent shared pathway. The NFIMP is proposed to be presented at Council's June meeting for further consideration and intended to provide clarity for further upgrades and investment. The preparation of the Parking Management Plan for the Noosaville Foreshore (and other localities) is well advanced and will be presented to Council and the community later this calendar year. Hilton Esplanade Tewantin (Doonella) Boat Ramp A funding allocation has been made in the FY25/26 Forward Planning and Design Budget to advance design concepts for this location. This will enable progression of design concepts with key stakeholders, funding agencies and statutory authorities. Key challenges for this location include vehicle access and parking, resolving conflicts with cycle and pedestrian pathways for the locality, as well as coastal and environmental considerations. Key opportunities include improvement of presentation of this key entry node to Noosa River. Lake Street (Tewantin) Boat Ramp No progress has been made on advancing this locality and will require future Council funding allocation to advance. A Master Plan has been forecast in future budget years as the competing issues in the locality are significant including the boat ramp and trailer parking, carparking for adjacent uses including the Marina and Council Offices and access to the riverfront including the splash park. Moorindil Street (Tewantin) Boat Ramp No progress has been made on advancing this locality and will require future Council funding allocation to advance Chaplin Park The draft Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan (NFIMP) includes Chaplin Park. Consistent with Councils previous June 2023 resolution, and draft versions of the NFIMP presented to Council and the community, Chaplin Park is proposed as a recreational park The NFIMP is proposed to be presented at Council's June meeting for further consideration and intended to provide ongoing clarity of Councils intentions for this park.

Funding Opportunities Council has funding for routine maintenance and renewal of recreational boating facilities,but does not currently have allocations for any proposed upgrades . Encouragingly, MSQ have verbally advised that the Queensland Government have allocated $2.5 million to the upgrade of Noosa River recreational boating facilities. Council is yet to received formal correspondence confirming the funding, and its scope including whether it applies to onshore facilities (traditional Council jurisdiction) and / or requires a co-contribution from Council. Council officers are in discussions with MSQ to confirm funding arrangements. Priorities for investment would be likely to include the Noosaville Boat Ramp and Supporting Pontoons, Hilton Esplanade Tewantin (Doonella) Boat Ramp and Noosa Woods Jetty, though this would be subject to further Council deliberation and decision.

Report details

Index: ECM\Subject\Noosaville Foreshore Land Use Masterplan
ECM\Subject\Noosa River Plan