A beachside car park is being “returned to the people” as a family-friendly gathering place as part of a trial over the holiday season.
Dubbed the Main Beach People’s Park, the concept will create a social space for beachgoers at Noosa Heads.
The car park will be decked out with marquees, tables and chairs. The Hastings Street Association is supporting the move by providing buskers during the two-week trial.
Noosa Council’s acting infrastructure services director Shaun Walsh said the partial closure of the car park had the full support of local businesses.
“We are returning the car park back to the people from December 23 to January 7,” he said.
“There will be a drop-off and pick-up drive-through lane, along with disability bays, available but the remainder of the car park will be transformed into a setting of picnic tables, chairs, marquees and live music.
“We are looking to create a place where people can socialise, relax, enjoy a picnic while visiting the beach.”
Bill Watson from Hey Bill, at Noosa Main Beach, said he was excited about the trial.
“I’ve been a long-time advocate about seeing the car park returned to the people and this is such a wonderful initiative,” he said.
“It’s a unique, positive way of putting the people first when visiting the beach, so kudos to the council for making this happen,” he said.
Mayor Clare Stewart said the partial closure of the car park, coupled with council’s free Go Noosa holiday buses, was about making the area more accessible for those heading to Main Beach.
It comes as free holiday buses return from this weekend.
From December 9 until January 21, there are five free Translink services that run across the shire.
For more information on the free bus services, visit Translink or call 13 12 30. A weekend timetable will operate on public holidays. Details are also available on council’s website.
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