Traffic Information

Council sets, assesses, and changes speed limits on local roads.

Setting speed limits

Council uses legislated guidelines for setting, assessing, and changing speed limits on its roads.

Part 4 of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is used by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and all local governments to set speed limits across all roads across Queensland. By following a uniform process, road users can be confident that speed limits are being set in a consistent manner across the state.

When setting speed limits, Council must consider many factors including:

• the road's function
• traffic volumes and the speed of vehicles on the road
• crash history, and
• road characteristics including:
  • alignment and lane width
  • the number of intersections and property entries
  • on-road parking
  • on-road activities such as cycling
  • adjacent roadside uses
  • pedestrian movements.

Speed limit review process

Council uses the following process to conduct a speed limit review:

• on-site inspection
• traffic count
• crash history analysis of the road
• full review and analysis of the road as required by the MUTCD.

When a speed limit review is completed, it is submitted to the local Speed Management committee for endorsement before speed limits can be changed. This committee includes representatives from the Queensland Police Service, Council and the TMR. The committee then makes a recommendation on the appropriate speed limit based on the review.

Undertaking a speed limit review is a complex process and takes an average of six to eight months to complete.

Speed limit on local roads

The default speed limit in urban areas of Queensland is 50km/h, unless otherwise signed. Urban areas include local streets or built-up areas that have access to private properties and/or limited neighbourhood traffic movements. The speed limit on these roads are generally not signed.

Gravel roads

Posted speed limits are not installed on unsealed roads due to the constantly changing nature of the pavement surface. In these circumstances, the general rural speed limit of up to 100km/h applies, and motorists are required to drive at a speed and in a manner that is compatible with the condition of the road and prevailing conditions.

Further information

For more information about the setting of speed limits in Queensland, refer to the MUTCD at Department of Transport and Main Roads.

If you need more information or would like Council to investigate an issue, lodge an online service request form.

Council receives many requests to introduce traffic calming as a way to discourage unwanted traffic and slow down speeding vehicles in local streets.

Traffic calming objectives

The main objectives of local area traffic management (LATM) schemes, also known as traffic calming are to:

• lower vehicle speeds
• reduce the volume of through traffic
• reduce the number and severity of crashes
• improve the general amenity of the residential areas.

Treatments used to modify the street environment include road humps, shared zones, roundabouts, and single-lane slow points, as well as signs, delineation, and pavement markings.

Traffic calming is only installed on residential streets that do not provide access for a large number of vehicles. This is to prevent delays and congestion for motorists especially emergency services and public transport.

Traffic calming is most successful when planned and implemented across a number of streets or within a clearly defined area. Isolated devices installed in response to complaints of inappropriate driver behaviour are not successful and often result in complaints about increased traffic noise and exhaust pollution from vehicles travelling over the device.

Making an application for traffic calming

Applying for the introduction of a traffic calming scheme in your local area requires the support of your local community.

The request must be made in writing or via email to mail@noosa.qld.gov.au and include the names and addresses of at least three other residents in the local area that support your proposal.

Investigations into the request will take between six to eight months.

If successful, funds to undertake any works will need to be considered as part of the annual capital works program.

Road users must comply with local parking rules when parking their vehicles in Noosa Shire.

Motorists need to pay attention to signage when parking their vehicles around Noosa Shire. Regulations for on and off-street parking are marked by the official signage and road markings. It is the responsibility of drivers to know and comply with these requirements.

For example, Gympie Terrace Noosaville has a mix of reverse in and parallel parking along the Noosa River foreshore. These are clearly signed and linemarked, and it is up to drivers to know and abide by these requirements.

Parking is regulated by local laws and state government legislation. Fines are issued where laws are violated.

Parking in residential streets

The parking of private vehicles is the responsibility of vehicle owners. Where possible, adequate provision should be made within private property to accommodate parking for residents' vehicles. Registered vehicles may also park legally in a street or parking bay without time constraints on unregulated residential streets.

When parking on an unregulated residential street, the Queensland Road Rules require a minimum of 3m between parking cars and the other side of the road. This is considered adequate room to allow for one lane of traffic and helps ensure the safety of cyclists, motorists and pedestrians.

While on-street parking can make some property access manoeuvres difficult, removing all of it would result in removal of a majority of on-street parking on urban streets.

Council will only consider the installation of yellow lines or 'No Parking' signs to restrict parking:

• at or near intersections
• at locations where there are high volumes of traffic
• where enforced regulation is necessary for safe traffic flow.

Noosa Heads Lions Park

Council, in collaboration with the Hastings Street Association, has introduced four-hour timed parking in Noosa Heads Lions Park between 8am and 5pm. There has also been an increase in all-day scooter parking in the Noosa Heads Lions Park car park.

Timed parking allows more people to share the car spaces in the precinct and is also aimed at encouraging more people to catch public transport.

Further information

• Parking regulations in Noosa Shire
• Queensland parking rules and fines

Dangerous, reckless, and illegal behaviour on local roads can pose a safety risk for the community.

Hooning

The enforcement of speed limits and anti-hooning legislation is the responsibility of the Queensland Police Service. Any instances of speeding or other unsafe driver behaviour should be reported directly to the Police, as Council has no statutory powers to take action against officers.

Council encourages you to report any irresponsible or dangerous driver behaviour to the Police via Policelink.

The following information will assist Police to deal with offenders:

• a description of the vehicle/s
• vehicle registration/s
• date and time
• location of incident
• description of the driver/s.

Traffic calming to address hooning

Council receives many requests to install traffic calming to target speeding and hooning in local areas. While people believe that traffic calming, such as speed humps and roundabouts, will reduce hooning, research and experience shows this is not the case. Unfortunately, the installation of isolated devices in response to complaints often results in additional noise and exhaust pollution problems as devices are commonly seen as challenges or obstacles to be driven through at maximum speed.

Law enforcement remains the most effective way to target dangerous driving behaviour.

Further information

• Hooning legislation and Police powers

Roundabouts

Road traffic signs provide important regulatory, warning, and guidance information for road users.

Signs provide drivers with clear concise, and consistent information across the road network.

Noosa takes a 'less is more' approach to signage within the road reserve, to reduce clutter on the roadside which may distract motorists. For further information refer to the Noosa Council Signage Policy(PDF, 189KB) .

Request for new signs

Council receives many requests from residents and businesses for new signage. It is important to note that Council does not support the installation of non-essential road signs that clutter the roadside and diminish the effectiveness of important road traffic sign information.

To lodge a request for a new sign, submit an online service request.

Reporting missing and damaged signs

Council is responsible for maintaining all traffic signs on local roads. Lodge an online service request with Council to report missing, faded, or illegible signage.

Contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) for signage on the state controlled road network, which includes motorways, highways, arterials and major connecting roads.

Flashing school zone signs

The flashing school zone signs are installed at schools around Noosa to draw motorists' attention to the hours of operation of the school zone to signal to motorists to slow down to the posted speed during those hours of operation. This program is managed by TMR and TMR should be contacted to report a fault.

Cycling offers residents and visitors a cheap, environmentally friendly, and healthy way to enjoy the many sights and experiences Noosa Shire has to offer.

Council actively encourages alternative transport usage to reduce the dependence on private cars. Providing dedicated on-road bicycle lanes, shared-use pathways and bicycle parking are just some of the ways Council hopes to get more people to leave their cars at home. This will make an important contribution to reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Queensland Road Rules classify bicycles as a type of vehicle, and bicycle riders and motorists have the same rights and responsibilities when using the road. To make our roads and paths safe for all road users it is important to remember the following tips.

Riding on a footpath or shared path

In Queensland, cyclists of all ages can legally ride on the footpath unless otherwise signed. Cyclists must keep left and give way to pedestrians and always ride to the left of bicycle riders coming toward them. Cyclists must slow down and sound their bell when approaching pedestrians.

Sharing the road with bicycle riders

Motorists must keep at least one metre between their vehicle and cyclists when in 60km/h or less speed zones, and 1.5 metres in areas above 60km/h. When passing cyclists, drivers can legally cross unbroken centre lines if it is safe to do so.

Traffic signals control the movement of traffic at busy intersections to enhance safety for road users.

There are two sets of traffic signals on Council roads:

• at the intersection of Ben Lexcen Drive and Eenie Creek Road
• pedestrian signals at Sunshine Beach State School.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads manages the maintenance and operation of traffic signals on Council's roads. 

Lighting is installed in public places to provide safety for all users, including motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians during hours of darkness.

Most street lighting maintenance in Noosa is the responsibility of Energex, although some lights are the responsibility of Council. Refer to Council's Interactive Mapping page to view the location of lights which are the responsibility of Council (typically found in parks or along pathways).

Contact Energex to report a fault with an Energex-owned street light.

Lodge an online service request with Council to report a fault with a Council-owned street light.

Voluntary Code of Conduct for Personal Mobility Device (PMD) Operators in Noosa

To address the growing number of privately operated PMD hire schemes in our shire, Noosa Council has developed a voluntary PMD Code of Conduct(PDF, 334KB) . This code serves as a set of operating guidelines for commercial operators and outlets of Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs).

The primary objective of this code is to prioritise public safety and ensure effective operations across the shire. By voluntarily adopting these guidelines, commercial operators and outlets will contribute to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all PMD and pathway users, while preserving the unique charm and character of Noosa.

The code includes regulations regarding designated no-go zones and go-slow zones, specifies operating hours, and outlines requirements for appropriate parking of PMDs. It is important to note that PMD hirers are prohibited from leaving scooters on public land.

PMD Rules

In November 2022, the State Government implemented new PMD rules, which are enforceable by the Queensland Police Service (QPS). These rules can be found at https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/initiatives/pmd-rules/.

If you witness a PMD rider breaking the law, please report the matter to the police.

PMD operators have not been granted permission to operate from Council land. Private hire companies, such as Beam, operate back-to-base models exclusively from private commercial land.

Reporting an Incident or Poorly Parked Beam E-Scooter

If you come across a Beam e-scooter that is improperly parked or causing an obstruction, please visit www.ridebeam.com/report-a-beam. Beam will dispatch a marshal to relocate the vehicle. You can also contact Beam through its Customer Care team using the following details:

• Toll-Free Phone Number: 1300 507 676
• Email: teamsupportau@ridebeam.com
• Beam Website: https://www.ridebeam.com/help
• Beam App: Tap 'Contact Support' on the Beam app home screen.

If you have concerns or complaints about a rider on a Beam e-scooter, it is essential to immediately register your complaint with Beam's Customer Care team using the contact details mentioned above. Please provide the vehicle registration number (if possible) and provide as much detail as possible regarding the rider's behaviour (e.g., location, time, regularity). If the rider is breaking the law, please also report the matter to the police.