GO NOOSA REPORT (Referred from Services & Organisation Committee dated 12 August 2025 - Item 7.1)
Executive summary
The Go Noosa Program delivers a coordinated suite of transport initiatives that support the Noosa Transport Strategy 2017–2027. The program encourages a shift away from private vehicle use toward more active and sustainable transport options. It aims to manage peak period congestion, improve safety, and enhance the overall transport experience for residents and visitors, while protecting Noosa’s unique character and environment. In 2024–25, the program delivered a range of integrated initiatives, including: • School behaviour change initiatives • Community transport services • Free holiday and weekend bus services • Main Beach Drop-Off Zone • Traffic control and wayfinding measures • Temporary park-and-ride services • Trial streetscape and parking changes along Noosa Drive and Hastings Street • Paid parking at Lions Park (Noosa Heads) As Noosa continues to grow, the Go Noosa program remains a vital mechanism for delivering sustainable, innovative, and community-supported transport outcomes. This report outlines the initiatives delivered in 2024–25 and sets out the proposed programs for 2025–26. The report has been developed in consultation with key stakeholders, incorporating their feedback to ensure alignment with community needs and Council priorities. The focus remains on reducing congestion, improving access and safety, and supporting a continued shift toward more sustainable modes of travel. The report recommends continuing the Go Noosa program for the 2025/26 including peak period management, as well as provides specific direction concerning the Main Beach Drop Off Zone and the use of the Noosa Heads Lions Park for temporary carparking.
Recommendation
That Council:
- Note the report by the Director Infrastructure Services to the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting dated 12 August 2025 regarding the Go Noosa Program;
- Delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to approve the ongoing implementation of the Go Noosa Initiatives as outlined in this report, subject to Council’s annual budget processes;
- Note the temporary repurpose of the carpark in the “Main Beach Local Government Reserve” (adjacent to the Noosa Heads Surf Club) as a Main Beach Drop-Off Zone during the peak Christmas and New Year’s Eve period to improve safety, traffic congestion and functionality of the space;
- Note the successful trial of temporary streetscape and parking improvements on Hastings Street and Noosa Drive during peak periods, including and that staff will be exploring design and costs of deployable temporary "parklets" for future peak seasons to enhance the pedestrian safety, comfort and public realm activation;
- Approve the temporary carparking at the Noosa Heads Lions Park by the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club for the holiday season subject to the following:
- Confirm use of the Noosa Heads Lions Park as a temporary carpark during the Christmas 2025–26 holiday period with decision on Easter deferred until further community consultation arising from the Destination Management Plan;
- Authorise the CEO to negotiate improved financial return with the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club from use the space to better recover Council costs for oversight of the space and damage recovery;
- Implementation of a formal Traffic Management Plan (TMP) to improve safety and vehicle management on the site;
- Commence exploration of alternative community fundraising initiatives with the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club in the event Council determines that it does not wish to proceed with future use of the public park as a temporary carpark.
Report
Introduction The Go Noosa Program delivers a coordinated suite of transport initiatives that support the Noosa Transport Strategy 2017–2027. The program encourages a shift away from private vehicle use toward more active and sustainable transport options. It aims to manage peak period congestion, improve safety, and enhance the overall transport experience for residents and visitors, while protecting Noosa’s unique character and environment. In 2024–25, the program delivered a range of integrated initiatives, including: • School behaviour change initiatives • Community transport services • Free holiday and weekend bus services • Main Beach Drop-Off Zone • Traffic control and wayfinding measures • Temporary park-and-ride services • Trial streetscape and parking changes along Noosa Drive and Hastings Street • Paid parking at Lions Park (Noosa Heads) As Noosa continues to grow, the Go Noosa program remains a vital mechanism for delivering sustainable, innovative, and community-supported transport outcomes. This report outlines the initiatives delivered in 2024–25 and sets out the proposed programs for 2025–26.
Transport Levy Budget 2025-2026 The Sustainable Transport Levy, is levied on all rateable land in the Noosa local government area to meet the costs of a range of services and initiatives related to transport and related initiatives that have the purpose of reducing traffic congestion and demand on the Noosa road network. The funding is primarily aimed at sustainably managing congestion and reducing demand for increased capacity on the road network and car parking. Initiatives may include (without limitation): • entering partnerships with other tiers of government to investigate, trial, and/or deliver sustainable transport services; • supporting public transport services through the provision of new, or improvements to existing, kerb-side and public transport infrastructure such as bus shelters and facilities at transport hubs; • establishing and operating transport systems such as park and ride facilities or shuttle bus services; • investigating, acquiring and operating intelligent transport systems to manage congestion and inform motorists and transport users; • providing behaviour change programs including, for example, school-based programs to reduce congestion; and • providing flexible transport services to meet demonstrated community need. The charge for the 25/26 financial year has been established at $30.00 per rateable property The following tables outlines the transport levy budget, including the confirmed Go Noosa Program (Materials & Services) planned for this financial year.
Original Budget
Whole Year
Financial Statement
GLBUD
4RV01 - Rates, Levies & Annual Incoming Levy Charges ($944,010.00) 6EX01 - Employee Benefits Wages and benefits $218,537.77 6EX03 - Materials & Services
Go Noosa budget
$689,500.00 6EX12 - Internal Charges $71,688.94
Go Noosa Program (Materials
Budget description
Total Go Noosa
& Services)
Budget $689,500 Includes 065 Noosa Loop Free Bus, Traffic and pedestrian management during peak periods, people and temporary Peak period Traffic infrastructure for Hastings Management Street $477,500 Community transport supporting vulnerable people where public Community Transport (Flexilink transport cant be & Council Cabs services) accessed. $82,000 Ad-hoc support from Translink may be required Public Transport Service Level at times. Budget covers Investigations Translink costs. $10,000 Education and behaviour Schools Program change programs $35,000 Investigate options improving or expanding the Shuttle Bus Investigation free bus loop $70,000.00 Investigate options for bus Priority Bus Lane Investigation only lane $15,000.00 It is noted that the budget for FY25/26 has been planned to be contained within available funding from the levy. In previous years the delivery of program has exceeded available levy funding and been funded from general revenue due to rising costs to the tune of $200,000. This restraint has been achieved through a mix of cost savings from the withdrawal of the free scheduled Translink bus services for peak periods (now 50c) and retraction of the Go Noosa program to be within available levy funding. This has been part of a broader program of fiscal restraint across the organisation established for FY25/26.
School Behaviour Change Initiatives Key traffic congestion is experienced on roads near schools across Noosa, largely due to the prevalence of students travelling to and from school in private motor vehicles.
In 2024–25, Council supported active travel through the Cycle Skills, Ride to School and Walk to
School programs. These initiatives focused on building confidence and participation in safe, sustainable transport options for students including: • Bike skills workshops • Walking school buses • Participation rewards and promotional campaigns Council has historically partnered with several schools and community groups to encourage active travel through education and incentives. Participating Schools and Partners: • Sunshine Beach State School • Noosa Christian College • Noosaville State School • Tewantin Noosa Lions Club – Walk to School The initiative was delivered using a basic implementation model Consistent with available staffing and program resources. While this ensured consistent implementation, opportunities for broader and deeper engagement, participation tracking, and outcome reporting were constrained. For 2025-26 a review is proposed to realign the program with Council’s broader sustainable transport objectives, better understand alternative delivery and funding models for a more wholistic program for consideration in 2026-27. 2025–26 Program Plan
Theme
Initiative
Rationale
The Active Transport Access
Active
Community priorities for 5 schools
Improvement project responds to
Transport
plus a community informed increasing concerns from parents,
Access
infrastructure plan to one local schools, and residents about safety,
Improvement
school with concept designs access, and infrastructure gaps around
Theme
Initiative
Rationale school precincts. By identifying community priorities at five schools and developing a community-informed infrastructure plan with concept designs for one selected local school
Review and refresh the current
schools program in partnership with local schools and other councils, Ensures relevance, efficiency, and identifying cost-effective models to alignment with BAU capacity support active transport within existing budgets.
Develop a Traffic & Parking
Education Hub (digital education
platform) covering frequently asked Reduces confusion and improves questions about parking, yellow lines, community understanding of rules and compliance rules, and other transport procedures topics providing clear, accessible public guidance year-round.
Community Transport Services
Council provides community transport services in the form of Council Cabs and the Flexilink
Service to support residents in making sustainable and accessible travel choices. These services aim to reduce barriers such as cost, limited mobility, and gaps in the public transport network (particularly in the hinterland), while also helping to manage congestion during peak weekends. Importantly, many of these trips support vulnerable members of our community who are unable to travel safely or independently using conventional public transport or other services. This includes older adults, people with disabilities, and others with limited mobility or access. These services align with Council’s Sustainable Transport Strategy to: • Deliver an efficient and free-flowing transport system • Support innovative transport solutions • Enhance the experience for residents and visitors • Achieve sustainable environmental outcome Information program costing is outlined in the table below:
Council Cabs
Flexilink
Metric
-2025
-25 Average Cost per Trip $13.68 $44.35 Aver Trips per Month 26.4 89.3 Average Monthly Spend $358.35 $3,958.56
Council Cabs Service Council Cabs provides a convenient, low-cost, door-to-door transport service for seniors aged 60 and over, people with disabilities, and their carers or minors accompanying them. Eligible passengers are picked up from their homes and transported to local shopping centres.
Departure Areas
Destinations Noosaville, Doonan Noosa Civic, Tewantin, Wallace Dr (Noosaville) Noosa Heads, Sunshine Beach, Sunrise Noosa Fair, Noosa Heads Beach, Castaways Beach, Marcus Beach, Peregian Beach, Lake Weyba Tinbeerwah, Tewantin, Cooroibah Poinciana Ave (Tewantin), Noosa Civic, Wallace Dr Cooroy, Federal, Black Mountain, Cooroy Emerald St, Cooroy Mountain, Lake Macdonald Pomona, Cooran, Kin Kin Memorial Ave, Pomona
Passenger and Trip Data A small number of regular users made most of the Council Cabs trips during this period. • Just four passengers (Passengers 4, 8, 6 and 3) took 191 of the 251 total trips, about 75% of all usage. Passenger 4 was the most frequent user with 81 trips, showing high dependencies on the service. •
passengers took 3 or fewer trips, suggesting they may use the service on an as-needed or trial basis. The service provides both regular and flexible access supporting essential travel for high- dependency users while also accommodating occasional users. Trip destinations: • Cooroy – 180 trips • Noosaville – 57 trips • Noosa Heads – 27 trips This shows that the service is mostly used by regular passengers travelling to key areas like Cooroy and Noosaville, where shops and services are located.
Flexilink Service The Flexilink service provides a pre-booked, fixed-route transport option for residents with limited travel choices between Boreen Point and the Tewantin Post Office. The service is similar to a bus as it follows a designated route. There is three return services operating Monday to Saturday. The service is designed to improve access to essential services and is timed to align with existing public transport, enabling onward connections to broader destinations.
Departure Areas
Destinations Boreen Point Tewantin Post Office Passenger and Trip Data Approximately 65 unique passengers used the Flexilink service during the reporting period. The service caters to a broad range of mobility needs, from individuals requiring regular, high- dependency transport to occasional or one-off users. •
passengers completed 20 or more trips. • The most frequent user recorded 97 trips. • These frequent users account for a significant portion of total trip volume, highlighting a core group that depends heavily on the service.
passengers took only 1 or 2 trips during the period, indicating the service also supports occasional or emergency travel needs. Monthly variations suggest demand may be influenced by seasonal factors, school holidays, or local events. 2025–26 Program Plan The 2025-26 Program Plan focuses on continuity of services whilst undertaking a review for program refinements. Moving forward the Norther Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy, being prepared by TMR will provide a key document to guide future actions, and is a critical advocacy initiative.
Theme
Initiative
Rationale Continue to advocate for Ensuring this user group is considered in inclusion of this user group in the future transport planning will help address Northern Sunshine Coast Public long-term mobility needs and improve Transport Strategy equity in regional service provision. Design infrastructure that favours active Maintain current service for Maintaining the service ensures continuity and public transport. 2025–26 while we investigate for existing users while allowing time to alternative travel options to better engage with passengers, explore more meet user needs eg; meet with flexible or cost-effective options, and plan current customers improvements.
Go Noosa Bus Services The Go Noosa Program continued to support a shift toward sustainable transport and reduce peak period congestion through the provision of free and affordable bus services during weekends and holidays.
Translink Services – Free Weekend Bus Trial (Concluded February 2025) This trial operated in partnership with Translink from February 2022 to February 2025. Council subsidised five local Translink routes (626, 627, 628, 629, and 632) to encourage public transport use and reduce car dependency in high-demand areas. The trial on these services concluded following the Queensland Government’s introduction of a permanent 50-cent fare across the state.
Free Holiday Bus Services Route 065 – Go Noosa Loop Shuttle The high-frequency Go Noosa Loop Shuttle operated during the Christmas holidays (14 December 2024 – 27 January 2025) and Easter (18 – 20 April 2025), connecting key destinations including Hastings Street, Noosa Drive, Weyba Road, and Noosa Parade. It accounted for 40% of all holiday- period bus trips. Survey results showed 84% of users were highly satisfied, and 70% supported expanding the route. Route 064 – Peregian to Noosa Heads This seasonal service ran during the Christmas holidays only and was discontinued in February 2025 following the rollout of the State Government’s 50-cent fare initiative. Financial Considerations Contract costs with Translink associated with the Free Holiday and Free Weekend Bus Services are commercial-in-confidence. Additional costs include promotional expenses (e.g., marketing, bus wraps, and uniforms). Bus Passenger and Trip Data and Analysis The next section provides an overview of passenger activity across key Go Noosa free bus routes during the Christmas and Easter periods from 2023 to 2025. In the lead-up to Christmas 2024, the data shows a steady increase in daily patronage following the early start of the free bus service on 14 December. Usage began modestly, with fewer than 500 passengers per day, and gradually climbed as visitors arrived for the holidays — peaking at over 2,500 passengers on 30 December. This upward trend clearly demonstrates how demand builds across the holiday period, validating the early commencement of the service to support increased visitor volumes and reduce traffic pressure before the peak. The Easter 2025 period (5 April to 21 April) also showed consistent performance, with daily passengers ranging from 700 to 1,500, and a clear peak from 19–21 April, aligning with the end of the school holidays and public holiday period. Passengers per trip appears lower because it averages daily totals across all trips, smoothing out the increase in demand closer to peak days like Christmas. In the 2024–25 Christmas period, Routes 626, 627, and 064 showed relatively higher average loads (13–15 passengers per trip), suggesting steady usage during the holiday season. While Easter periods typically see lower average patronage than Christmas, Route 064 stood out in Easter 2023–24 with an exceptional average of 20 passengers per trip. Route 065 also maintained consistent performance across both years and holiday periods, indicating strong ongoing demand. Public transport use per 1,000 residents increased across both Noosa and SEQ during the Christmas period from 2023–24 to 2024–25. Noosa rose from 1,977 to 2,355, reflecting growing seasonal demand, while SEQ saw a stronger increase from 3,645 to 4,339. In contrast, Easter data shows diverging trends: Noosa’s usage dropped significantly from 606 to 304, suggesting reduced uptake or service variation, whereas SEQ experienced a moderate rise from 2,288 to 2,554. These patterns reinforce the strong seasonal draw of Christmas and highlight the regional differences in Easter holiday travel behaviour. The Easter trend warrants close scrutiny in future data sets. Public Transport Trends As reported by Local Government Association, following the 50-cent fare initiative: • Noosa public transport weekday patronage increased by 22.8%. • Noosa public transport weekend patronage increased by 9.2%, even with some services ending. Demonstrating strong demand for accessible, low-cost public transport.
Free Holiday Bus Advertising – Performance Summary To raise awareness and encourage use of the Go Noosa Free Holiday Bus services, targeted digital advertising campaigns were delivered across Google and Meta platforms during the 2024–25 holiday period. These campaigns aimed to reach both residents and visitors planning travel to Noosa, highlight the convenience of the free services, and support broader program goals around congestion management and modal shift. The following table outlines campaign reach, engagement outcomes, and recommendations for future advertising improvements. Google Advertising Performance Meta(Facebook/Instagram) Advertising Performance • • 259,341 impressions and 5,459 clicks 246,495 views; 155,306 reach • • Cost-per-click: $0.36
CTR: 0.145%; CPC: $0.99
• • CTR: 2.03% (Display), 8.69% (Search) Strongest engagement: Ages 25–44 • 91% of clicks resulted in landing page views
Recommendations
Recommendations
• • Scale up search advertising Improve visuals and calls-to-action • • Optimise landing page Narrow age targeting • • Trial remarketing A/B test creatives (alternative artwork design)
–26 Program Plan The 2025-26 program focuses on continuing with the Council funded 065 service including ongoing improvement, as well as exploration of future shuttle services and feasibility assessment of future priority bus lanes.
Theme
Initiative
Rationale Supports continued modal shift by offering a reliable and popular alternative to private vehicle Continue with 065 Noosa use during peak holiday periods. Maintains Shuttle service in 2025-2026 momentum from high satisfaction and strong usage levels in previous years. Investigate expansion and Builds on community feedback calling for a improvement for Route 065 broader and more inclusive service. service which is more Enhancements will help attract a wider user Modal Shift and accessible, pet-friendly, and base, including mobility-impaired passengers and Sustainable flexible services. visitors with pets. Transport Ongoing data collection is essential to evaluate Monitor usage data to inform performance, support funding decisions, and future planning. adapt services to changing community needs. Investigate options for improving or expanding Shuttle Bus Investigation the free bus loop Priority Bus Lane Investigation Investigate options for bus only lane
Go Noosa Holiday Program The Go Noosa Holiday Program operated during two peak periods: 14 December 2024 to 27 January 2025, and 18 to 20 April 2025. The program aimed to improve traffic flow, enhance pedestrian safety, and support a positive experience for both residents and visitors in high-demand areas such as Hastings Street, Noosa Drive, Main Beach Reserve, and Noosa Heads Lions Park.
Main Beach Local Government Reserve Drop-Off Zone Main Beach Local Government Reserve was temporarily converted from a carpark into a dedicated drop-off zone to enhance safety, accessibility, and circulation during December and January.
Key Features and Enhancements The site included bicycle storage, temporary toilets, shaded seating, and additional parking for lifeguards and people with disabilities. Traffic controllers and marshals were deployed during peak hours to manage flow, and new pedestrian signage and wayfinding were trialled. Scooter parking and bike rack capacity were expanded, and the zone was staffed daily by at least three personnel. The temporary item storage service was also trialled for large items such as paddleboards, bikes, and pet equipment.
Challenges and Learnings The temporary item storage saw minimal use and required two staff from 7am to 4pm daily, making it resource intensive. Additionally, staff presence during quiet periods or extreme heat was occasionally misinterpreted as inactivity, resulting in some negative public interactions. What Worked Well The drop-off zone successfully improved movement around the beachfront and reduced congestion. Supplementary infrastructure such as toilets, bike racks, seating, and shade significantly enhanced user comfort and convenience. The estimated cost was $35,000 which includes; • Signage & Marketing • Machinery & Equipment Hire • Portable toilets & Water • Electrical & Utilities • Marquees & Seating Costs do not include supplementary NYE set up or any supporting Civil Operations costs. 2025–26 Program Plan The 2025-26 program proposes to again reintroduce the Main Beach Drop off zone with ongoing refinements to improve user experience and amenity.
Theme
Initiative
Rationale Encourages safer, more intuitive flow for
Redesign the drop-off zone to Enhance vehicles and pedestrians by reducing support passive traffic movement pedestrian safety reliance on manual traffic direction. This with minimal active traffic control. and accessibility supports a more self-regulating environment and reduces staffing costs.
Theme
Initiative
Rationale Shifting staff focus away from traffic control
Refocus staff roles on community allows for better utilisation of resources and engagement and visitor information, creates a more welcoming, service-oriented rather than directing traffic. presence.
Collaborate with Tourism Noosa Leveraging local volunteers to provide to include volunteers or wayfinding and visitor guidance enhances ambassadors who can assist with the visitor experience and strengthens local guidance (e.g. dining, parking, partnerships with local stakeholders. events). Clear, consistent signage reduces
Improve signage and wayfinding confusion, improves safety, and enhances for both drivers and pedestrians to overall efficiency of movement in high-traffic better navigate the area. areas. Improves comfort and accessibility for
Enhance passenger waiting passengers, encouraging greater use of
areas with additional seating and drop-off zones and sustainable transport shaded spaces. connections.
Discontinue low-impact elements Eliminating underused services frees up such as the item storage service to staff capacity and budget for higher-value improve efficiency and reduce initiatives. staffing demands. Early coordination ensures better integration
NYE Planning initiation with of transport, safety, and visitor management
internal and external strategies for one of Noosa’s busiest nights
stakeholders of the year.
Traffic Control and Wayfinding Measures During the peak Christmas and New Year period, traffic control was deployed to manage pressure points, particularly at the Noosa Drive/Noosa Parade intersection. Based on lessons from previous years, the primary objectives were to prioritise bus movements, manage pedestrian-vehicle interactions, and reduce congestion through active traffic flow management.
Evaluation and Effectiveness Traffic arrangements were monitored and adjusted in real time; however, the effectiveness of these measures was mixed. During shoulder periods with moderate congestion, traffic control had minimal impact. On peak days, traffic volumes exceeded the road network’s capacity, and congestion could not be meaningfully alleviated. Interventions such as momentarily halting general traffic to assist bus movement, offered only short-term, localised improvements, particularly near Lions Park.
Key Insights Although traffic control supported bus flow in specific locations, it did not significantly reduce overall congestion. The approach was largely reactive rather than preventative. Pedestrian behaviour was also challenging to manage, with many traffic controllers lacking the training or temperament to guide pedestrians effectively in high-pressure environments. Despite these limitations, the visible presence of staff provided a perception of safety and order, which was positively received by some visitors. However, the cost of deploying traffic controllers was high relative to the measurable benefits. 2025–26 Program Plan
Theme
Initiative
Rationale
Redesign traffic control roles to focus Improves operational efficiency by on high-impact interventions and reduce directing resources to locations and times reliance on general traffic management where they provide the most benefit, where impact is low. reducing unnecessary staffing costs.
Improve pedestrian wayfinding Enhances safety and flow by enabling through clear, strategically placed self-directed pedestrian movement, signage and ground markings to guide reducing dependence on staff intervention safe movement without the need for Modal Shift and lowering operational overhead. constant staff oversight. and Sustainable
Use infrastructure, not just staff, to Passive design solutions provide Transport shape movement—e.g. temporary consistent, reliable guidance for fencing, bollards, and signage to pre- pedestrians and vehicles, and are more emptively separate pedestrian and cost-effective over time than labour- vehicle flows. intensive approaches. Ensures future investment delivers
Evaluate cost-effectiveness of traffic maximum public value by aligning
control vs. passive design measures spending with proven outcomes and and prioritise resources accordingly. reducing low-impact expenditure. Exploring alternative traffic management technologies will help Noosa respond more efficiently to peak period congestion
Investigate alternative traffic and reduce reliance on manual
management technologies for 2026- interventions. Smart tools such as 2027 adaptive signals, real-time monitoring, and digital wayfinding can improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and support data-driven planning for future transport solutions.
Park & Ride Facilities Council delivers a Park & Ride program to support modal shift by encouraging drivers to leave their vehicles outside congested areas and use free public transport into key destinations. During the 2024–25 period, Park & Ride facilities were available at the Noosa AFL Grounds (Noosaville), The J, Noosa Junction Transit Centre, and the Old Bowls Club Carpark (Christmas period only). Promotion of the Park & Ride program included Go Noosa-branded signage, printed materials distributed through local accommodation providers, digital advertising (Google and Meta), VMS boards, and content on Council’s website and social media channels. Challenges and Insights Despite promotional efforts, Park & Ride sites were consistently underutilised. Many visitors remained unaware of the service or did not view it as a viable alternative to driving directly into Noosa’s busiest areas. The effectiveness of existing signage and outreach materials was limited in influencing travel behaviour. Additionally, the Old Bowls Club Carpark is no longer available for use noting the carpark is in private ownership, who have identified essential works to bring the carpark up to a safe and compliant standard. Our contract for the site has ended, and the car park was not available during the Easter period. A partnership could be explored to reopen the site to temporary public carparking. Estimated costs are in the order of $60,000 excl. GST including • Tree trimming: $10,340.92 • Carpark upgrades (line marking, fencing, gates, retaining wall): $38,884.00 • Pothole repairs: $7,243.00 • Signage installation (estimated): $3,000 The landowner has formally requested that Council consider a funding contribution toward necessary upgrades, while committing to cover ongoing operational costs such as security, landscaping, and maintenance. Due to cost, short term nature of the use and uncertain tenure it is proposed to refocus the program on other possible locations for park and ride for long term benefit. 2025–26 Program Plan
Theme
Initiative
Rationale Increases awareness and encourages
Improve signage and visibility of Park use by making options more obvious & Ride locations at key arrival points. and accessible to visitors upon entry into the region.
Develop a visitor travel pack in Provides clear, consistent information in
partnership with Tourism Noosa advance of travel, helping visitors plan explaining how to use Park & Ride and ahead and increasing confidence in the free bus system. using sustainable transport options. Builds awareness among visitors before
Expand advertising, particularly Modal Shift and arrival, helping shift behaviour by interstate, highlighting the convenience of Sustainable promoting stress-free alternatives to Park & Ride and free bus services. Transport parking in congested areas. Encourages behaviour change by
Investigate Trial incentives to increase providing added value to those who usage (e.g. promotions linked to local choose more sustainable transport businesses).
Options
Expands the network of accessible Park
Identify alternative sites for future Park & Ride locations, increasing
& Ride facilities in: Peregian, convenience for a broader range of
Tewantin & Noosaville travellers and distributing demand more evenly across the region.
Trial Parking & Streetscape Changes – Noosa Parade & Hastings Street As part of the Go Noosa Holiday Program, a trial was conducted to enhance pedestrian safety in one of Noosa’s highest foot-traffic areas. The initiative aimed to reduce conflict between vehicles and pedestrians, particularly around loading zones and roundabouts, and to create a safer, more enjoyable environment for walking, dining, and socialising.
Key Objectives • Improve safety and comfort for pedestrians in high activity areas. • Reduce delays caused by vehicles searching for short-term parking. • Minimise congestion from vehicle queuing and circulation.
Key Changes Implemented •
Loading Zone Relocation: Moved to improve visibility and reduce congestion at the roundabout. •
Car Bay Conversion: Two car bays were reallocated as scooter bays to reduce vehicle movements and improve pedestrian space. •
Parking Reconfiguration: Bays behind the bus station and taxi rank were changed from 30- minute to 2-hour limits to manage turnover more effectively and reduce cruising. •
No Net Loss of Parking: All existing spaces were retained; the trial focused on reallocation to support improved traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
Key Outcomes • Pedestrian safety improved, particularly near 7-Eleven and Ben & Jerry’s • Widened footpaths created safer, more comfortable pedestrian movement and waiting areas • Relocated loading zones improved sightlines and reduced delivery-related congestion • Anecdotal reports indicated better traffic flow and enhanced customer amenity • Business and community feedback highlighted: 1. Easier and safer delivery access near Ocean Breeze Resort 2. Reduced conflict between pedestrians and vehicles 3. A more pleasant environment for takeaway customers and casual visitors
Community Engagement Engagement efforts included on-site signage, printed handouts to local businesses, in-person visits to shop owners and staff, and informal feedback from visitors and the Hastings Street Association. Formal feedback was also recorded through Council’s CRM system.
Hastings Street Association The Hastings Street Association (HSA) supported the trial’s improvements to pedestrian safety, particularly at key crossing points. They noted that wider footpaths enhanced usability and contributed to a more attractive and functional public realm. HSA also suggested replacing temporary planters with permanent landscaped garden beds to further soften and improve the streetscape.
Community Feedback (via CRM’s) Feedback submitted via Council’s CRM system was mostly critical but constructive in tone. Business owners expressed concerns primarily about the operational impacts of the changes, while residents focused on parking space changes.
–26 Program Plan The 2025-26 program focuses on application of high-quality deployable landscape and safety installations for peak periods. Further development of this sytle of temporary closures could also be deployed in other locations in the future across the Shire for peak periods.
Theme
Initiative
Rationale Retaining the relocated loading zone preserves improved
Return area to Modal Shift and pedestrian and driver safety outcomes. The Hastings Street
pre-trial state Sustainable Association has expressed support for this permanent change.
during non-peak Transport Returning other elements to the original configuration outside
period peak periods helps balance amenity with operational needs.
Theme
Initiative
Rationale Parklets offer flexible, activation of public space, encouraging walking and lingering in key areas. By providing additional
Design and cost seating, shade, and greenery, they enhance the pedestrian
temporary experience and support local businesses, particularly during
“parklet” area high visitation periods. Deployable designs could be reused in other locations across the Shire, subject to funding.
Noosa Heads Lions Park – Temporary Paid Parking Update In March 2023, Council resolved to extend the use of Noosa Heads Lions Park for temporary paid parking during the Christmas and Easter school holidays until 1 May 2024, discontinuing its use during long weekends and the July and September holidays. This decision aligned with the original resolution from 17 September 2020. The program is operated by the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club as a community and charitable fundraising program and has been implemented for many years. Although the temporary use of Lions Park for parking is inconsistent with the Department of Resources reserve designation, the Noosa Plan, the Transport Strategy, and Council’s Design Principles, it was considered a pragmatic short-term solution to support visitor access, business continuity, and traffic management during peak holiday periods.
Paid Parking Revenue
Christmas
Easter
Paid Parking Summary
Dec- 26-Jan
- 21 April
(32 Days)
(17 Days) Total Cars Parked 5734 1645 Total Revenue (ex GST) $104,255 $29,610 Lions Club Payment (60%) $62,553 $17,666 Lions Club “Rained-Out” $9,600 $6,400 Compensation $1600 p/day Max 10 days (Closed 6 Days) (Closed 9 Days) Lions Club Total Payment $72,153 $24,066 Noosa Council Total $32,102 $5,544 Received The estimated direct cost to Council for operating the temporary paid parking at Noosa Heads Lions Park is approximately $25,000. This includes a portion of costs associated with Variable Message Sign (VMS) hire, traffic control, marketing and promotional materials, temporary fencing, and additional cleaning during the operating period. This figure does not include costs incurred by other departments, such as damage repairs (e.g. additional gravel, pothole repairs, or repainting of road signs) carried out by Civil Operations. It also excludes after-hours responses such as call-outs to unlock the site for vehicles left in the carpark overnight and unforeseen, last-minute expenses, such as the temporary hire of CCTV equipment for risk mitigation.
Traffic Impacts and Congestion The site contributes to substantial traffic congestion, particularly at the Noosa Parade and Lions Park carpark intersection: •
Intersection Volume: The carpark generates approximately a 40% increase in intersection volume compared to a scenario without it. •
Peak Period Use: 1. AM peak: 4,206 vehicles total – 31.5% entered the carpark. 2. PM peak: 4,859 vehicles total – 25.9% entered the carpark. 3. Daily average: ~28.5% of all intersection traffic was carpark-related. •
Traffic Disruption: Vehicles turning into the carpark often block through traffic due to the absence of a dedicated right-turn lane and the proximity of a zebra crossing. •
Delay Estimates: 1. AM: ~1,324 vehicles × 10 seconds = ~3.7 hours cumulative delay. 2. PM: ~1,258 vehicles × 10 seconds = ~3.5 hours cumulative delay. •
Safety Risks: The overflow carpark is close to public toilets and a picnic area, increasing the risk of conflict between vehicles and families with children. Delays are further compounded when vehicles must yield to pedestrians using the zebra crossing, contributing to queuing along Noosa Parade and an increased risk of rear-end collisions or illegal overtaking.
Public Transport Impacts Buses, including both Go Noosa and TransLink services, are regularly caught behind queuing vehicles or those stopped at pedestrian crossings. This leads to inconsistent headways, late arrivals, and a diminished public transport experience during peak periods.
WHS and Compliance Issues The program is a legacy of many years standing •
Volunteer Limitations: Concerns are raised for volunteers managing vehicle entry meeting Work Health and Safety (WHS) obligations and often lack formal training. •
Lack of Traffic Management Plan (TMP): The current layout does not meet minimum safety requirements outlined in Austroads or Safe Work Australia guidelines. •
Non-compliance: Without a TMP and site-specific induction, the site is not compliant with Australian Standard AS/NZS 4602.1.
Community Feedback on Future use of the Lions Park for Carparking Council's resolution from August 2024 sought community consultation to inform future usage of the space. Consultation is incomplete, with targeted engagement only undertaken to date as outlined below. The draft Destination Management Plan is proposed to include broad engagement on this topic to better inform Council's ongoing position.
Stakeholder
Position
Key Points Reduces congestion, supports business, Hastings Street Association Supportive enhances experience, and funds community
(HSA)
programs Conditional Advocates for a 2-year transition with modal Zero Emissions Noosa Support shift alternatives and education Noosa Shire Residents & Prefers Lions Park remain green space; raises Opposed Ratepayers (NSRRA) congestion and pedestrian safety concerns Noosa Chamber of Commerce No submission Noosa Parks Association No submission
–26 Program Plan The program focuses on continued use of the Noosa Heads Lion Park for temporary carparking for Christmas only, with improvement in financial arrangements and traffic management and safety.
Theme
Recommendation
Rationale Christmas remains the peak holiday period with
Continue with temporary consistent demand, justifying continued use of
paid parking for Lions Park for overflow parking. It supports
Christmas 2025–26 only visitor access and local business activity during the busiest time of year. Ongoing decision informed by community
Defer decision on consultation. It is also noted that Easter usage
Easter 2026 is increasingly affected by wet weather, leading
until Destination to frequent operational shutdowns, increased
Management Plan site damage, and higher maintenance costs,
Report details
Index: ECM/ Project & Contract/ Transport Strategy / Car Parking Management
ECM/Project & Contract/ Transport Strategy / General