Noosa Council will reintroduce temporary traffic measures around Hastings Street this Christmas and New Year to manage heavy congestion and keep beachgoers safe during the busiest weeks of the holiday season.
From December 20 to January 4, the Noosa Heads Surf Club car park will once again operate as a dedicated passenger drop-off zone.
Noosa Council director of infrastructure services Shaun Walsh said the change helped prevent traffic from banking up through the Hastings Street roundabouts.
“Using this car park as a drop-off area, with marshals on hand to assist, helps keep traffic flowing through the Hastings Street precinct roundabouts — as we saw last year — because we don’t have vehicles circling, stopping, maneuvering, and waiting for parking spaces, which causes the long queues,” Mr Walsh said.
“Families and beachgoers move through this area on foot in very high numbers over the holidays, and by managing vehicle movements it makes for a much safer environment for pedestrians too.”
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Council will set up shaded waiting areas at the drop-off point, along with extra female toilets, a filtered water station and additional bike and scooter parking. Disability parking spaces and emergency vehicle access will remain unchanged.
“Council staff will be on the ground to guide pedestrians and provide information and advice on the travel options available,” Mr Walsh said.
“Our beach precincts become some of the busiest places in Queensland during the Christmas and New Year period, creating significant congestion.”
To avoid the seasonal snarl, visitors are encouraged to park at Noosa Heads Lions Park, Noosa Junction bus station, The J or Noosa Marina, and take advantage of the free Go Noosa Loop Bus or low-cost Translink services. The Loop Bus (065) will run from December 13 to January 26.
“All of the initiatives we’re putting in place are designed to help manage congestion, improve pedestrian safety and help ensure everyone can access the Main Beach precinct as easily as possible during the busiest time of year,” Mr Walsh said.
Council is urging locals and holidaymakers to plan ahead and consider leaving the car at home.
“We thank locals and visitors for their patience and cooperation,” he said.
