A draft plan to improve a popular river foreshore area has been amended to better reflect community expectations.
Noosa Council released a revised draft Noosaville Foreshore Master Plan, after months of feedback from local residents and stakeholders.
Mayor Frank Wilkie said the plan was “simpler” and it would enhance the area along the Noosa River.
“It’s hoped the community will see we’ve listened and made the changes they’ve requested for this popular, 2km public park,” he 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.
“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.”
A series of briefings with councillors helped influence and guide outcomes of the draft plan.
“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.
“I really encourage the community to look at the plan, tell us what they like about the draft plan, consider its long-term approach and provide their thoughts on where it could 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.”
There are a variety of ways to provide input on the revised plan.
Council will launch a survey via Your Say Noosa 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 and a series of fact sheets will soon be available at Your Say Noosa.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
