Draft Transport Strategy open for comment
Council is calling for feedback on Noosa’s Draft Transport Strategy.
More than a thousand ideas, submitted by the community last year, have helped shape the draft. It’s open for comment until 13 April.
“The aim was to develop some big-impact solutions to some of our most pressing transport issues – solutions that we could deliver in one-to-two years,” Acting Mayor Frank Wilkie says.
Temporary park-and-ride shuttle services for peak periods, plus a high-frequency trial shuttle bus, servicing stops from Tewantin to Sunshine Beach are among the initiatives proposed.
“Of course any solutions we ultimately adopt need to be cost-effective and in keeping with Noosa’s look and feel,” says Cr Wilkie.
“It could be that some of the proposed solutions may pay for others. For example, the strategy suggests paid parking at congestion hotspots during peak periods, with possible exceptions for residents.
“We may also be able to fund some of the solutions through existing levies such as the transport levy.”
A new Active Travel to Schools Program to help reduce the number of parents driving their children to and from school, is also proposed.
“Plus priority transport lanes are proposed. They would service buses and sustainable transport such as bicycles, scooters and electric vehicles.”
The strategy calls for an in-depth look at a possible congestion charge for vehicles entering Hastings Street during peak periods.
“It’s important to note that nothing has been decided, nor will it be until the community has had a further say,” Cr Wilkie says.
“The draft strategy identifies some of the priorities and offers solutions, based on information from experts and our own community. We look forward to receiving further feedback.”
Residents can read, and comment on, the draft strategy, as well as participate in a survey, at Council’s YourSay Noosa website.
It can be viewed at Council’s Pelican Street (Tewantin) offices as well as at static displays at Noosaville and Cooroy Libraries. Staff will be on hand at these displays from 9am to 11am on 23 March (Cooroy) and 30 March (Noosaville) to answer questions and take feedback.
Council will host four Have Your Say days across the shire. These will run from 8am-12noon on:
- Sat, 25 March, Cooroy – Outside the IGA
- Sat, 1 April, Noosa Junction – Arcadia Walk
- Sun, 2 April, Noosa Farmers Market
- Sat, 8 April, Pomona - Outside the newsagency
Residents can also email feedback to Council, or phone (07) 5329 6500 for more information. Details about other upcoming manned pop-ups, and other information, is available at Council's YourSay Noosa website.
17 March 2017