Revised Noosaville Foreshore Master Plan reflects community expectations

Shadier, safer pedestrian pathways, virtually no change to on-street parking and upgrades to the tennis court and Pirate Playground are proposed in a revised, simpler draft Noosaville Foreshore Master Plan, endorsed by Noosa Council today. 

Months of reviewing community feedback, revising plans and listening to key stakeholders has resulted in a simpler Draft Noosaville Foreshore Master Plan.

At a Special Meeting, councillors approved releasing the revised long-term planning document for further community feedback over four weeks, starting Friday November 15, 2024.

Months of reviewing community feedback, revising plans and listening to key stakeholders has resulted in a simpler draft plan.

“It’s hoped the community will see we’ve listened and made the changes they’ve requested for this popular, two-kilometre public park,” Cr Wilkie said.

“We’ve retained virtually all the car parking, except for a few minor exceptions where it’s proposed to convert about 10 spaces along Gympie Terrace to motorbike and scooter parking to allow for wider, shadier, shared pedestrian paths to more safely accommodate all users,” he said.

“The boat ramp facility is largely untouched, and we acknowledge that the tennis court is a valued part of the foreshore and its heritage, so we’ve looked at options to keep it while potentially diversifying the sports that can be played there.

“We’ve discussed this with tennis club members who’ve told us they’re willing to look at a multi-use style concept.

“If this was to occur, there would be further community consultation on this when the time comes,” the Mayor said.

A series of briefings with councillors over the past few months has helped influence and guide outcomes of the draft plan to ensure it meets community expectations.

“A masterplan is essentially a long-term action plan for this space to enhance amenities, and it will help us apply for external grant funding, so we spare ratepayers significant maintenance and improvement costs, conservatively estimated at $10 million, over the next two decades,” Cr Wilkie said.

“Timber walls are failing, there are heavily eroded drop-offs along the shoreline that need attention in the future, playgrounds and pathways require upgrading and the stormwater infrastructure is more than 50 years old and needs replacing.

“That’s what this revised plan looks to address,” Cr Wilkie said.

“I really encourage the community to look at the plan, tell us what they like about it, consider its long-term approach and provide their thoughts on where it can be improved.

“As with any plan, it can be changed and further engagement with our community would occur when we get to the point of needing to significantly upgrade key areas of the foreshore,” Cr Wilkie said.

There are a variety of ways to provide input on the revised plan.

Council will launch a survey on the Your Say Noosa webpage from November 15, to run  for four weeks. Email submissions can be sent to foreshoremasterplan@noosa.qld.gov.au and Council intends to hold several face-to-face pop-up sessions on the foreshore during the engagement period.

The draft plan will be available for review at yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au from November 7.