Noosa Parade overhaul gets the green light

Plans to upgrade Noosa Parade between the Munna Point Bridge and the Garth Prowd Bridge have been given the go ahead, with the State Government's Cycle Network Local Government Grants program chipping in $2.23 million for construction to commence early next year.

Mayor Clare Stewart said this was great news for locals and visitors, with the 1.2km section upgrade meaning a safer and user-friendly welcome to Noosa’s main tourist precinct.

“Noosa Parade is a popular route for pedestrians and bike riders given its proximity to tourist accommodation, Main Beach, Hastings Street, and the National Park,” Cr Stewart said.

“New shared pathways and on-road bike lanes will improve safety and access for pedestrians and bike riders, with a reduction of the speed limit to 40km/h to make it safer for all road users. 

New shared pathways and on-road bike lanes will feature in the upgrade of Noosa Parade. The State Government's Cycle Network Local Government Grants program is chipping in $2.23 million for construction to commence early next year.

“Other key features of the upgrade will include eight new pedestrian refuges and a new LED, low-energy lighting system.

“New trees and landscaping works will also be included to provide more shade and visual appeal.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said investing in regional Queensland cycling projects was delivering positive benefits for local communities.

“It's so positive to see a significant increase in the use of dedicated walking and cycling facilities, and we know that, on average, every dollar we invest in cycling infrastructure will return nearly five dollars in economic benefit to Queensland with improved health outcomes, reduced traffic congestion, and lower transport costs.  

“That’s why over the next two years the Palaszczuk government has awarded more than $19 million in funding to local governments to deliver new high-priority bike networks, just like the Noosa Parade Corridor Upgrade which will improve facilities for locals and tourists alike,” Mr Bailey said.

Mayor Stewart said the community is encouraged to register for project updates to be informed when the final design layout is available, to see what changes are coming.

“Council’s project team is preparing layouts and drawings to show locals how the upgrade will look when it’s constructed and the team will contact anyone directly impacted by works,” she said.

“We encourage everyone with an interest in this project to get online at Your Say Noosa to stay up-to-date and view information about the new-look Noosa Parade as it becomes available.”

This $4.46 million construction is jointly funded by Noosa Council and the State Government under the Cycle Network Local Government Grants program, with the Queensland Government providing 50 per cent of the funding.

Construction of the upgrade is programmed to start in early 2022, with early works to relocate services starting in May 2021.