New active transport corridor now open

Bike riders and pedestrians are now better catered for on one of the Noosa Shire’s busiest routes with the official opening, today, of the new 1.2km Noosa Parade active transport corridor. 

Cr Tom Wegener, Noosa MP Sandy Bolton and Cr Amelia Lorentson test the upgraded pathways.

“Council’s vision for this project was a safer street that works for everyone, whether you’re on four wheels, two wheels, or your own two feet,” Mayor Clare Stewart said.

The upgrade delivers new disability compliant refuge islands and wider pathways, including a 1.5m southern pathway and 2.5m northern pathway.

Noosa Councillor Amelia Lorentson, standing in for Mayor Clare Stewart today opened the upgraded section with Noosa MP Sandy Bolton.

“New LED lighting will provide much needed safety boost for those bike-riding and walking in the evening and early mornings,” said Cr Lorentson.

“Bike riding, whether it is for sport, commuting or just for recreation, is a popular activity in Noosa. The 1.5 metre on-road bike lane and permanent reduction in the speed limit to 40km will help improve road safety for all users."

All bus stops in the corridor were upgraded to meet disability compliance standards and three Noosa-style bus shelters were also installed to make public transport in the area more accessible and convenient.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey congratulated the council on completing the work, which was partially funded through the Palaszczuk Government’s Cycle Network Local Government Grants program.

"Investment in safer bike-riding infrastructure helps get more people riding, more often, and promotes healthy travel," he said.

"We know that, on average, every dollar we invest in bike-riding 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 we have committed nearly $270 million in funding over four years to support and encourage bike riding across the state, improving facilities for locals and tourists alike.

“Our investments in bike-riding infrastructure are targeted at the highest priority cycling routes that improve connectivity across the local network."

Mayor Stewart said the project was an excellent example of Council delivering on its mission to encourage greater uptake of active transport and public transit, and reduce the dependence on private cars. 

“By providing dedicated on-road bicycle lanes, as well as safer pathways and pedestrian crossings, we hope to see more residents and visitors choosing to leave their cars at home,” she said.

“We would like to thank the residents and community for their patience during the construction period.

“We look forward to seeing more people riding a bike and walking for health, transport, tourism and the environment.”

Noosa Parade is a core route in the Principal Cycle Network Plan for south-east Queensland.

Construction of the $8 million Noosa Parade corridor upgrade is partially funded by the Department of Transport and Main Roads through the Cycle Network Local Government Grants program with the balance funded by Council. 

The bus stop upgrades were proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Passenger Transport Accessible Infrastructure Program which provided dollar for dollar funding support to Council for the civil works and $19,000 per shelter under the Bus Stop Shelter Program.