A proposal aimed at easing holiday parking pressures in a popular tourist town has been recommended not to proceed, with the final decision to be made by a local council this week.
The recommendation relates to Noosa Lions Park, which has previously been used as temporary overflow parking during the Christmas and New Year period to help manage increased visitor numbers heading into Noosa Heads and the Hastings Street precinct.
Noosa Council’s Go Noosa transport report states the site can accommodate about 130 vehicles under normal conditions, with capacity increasing to up to 250 vehicles during peak times.
At council’s July 7 General Committee meeting, councillors considered whether the temporary parking arrangement should continue during the 2026 to 2027 Christmas and New Year period.
A move to continue the use of Lions Park as overflow paid parking, operated by the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club, was put forward by Councillor Amelia Lorentson and seconded by Councillor Jessica Phillips, but was not supported.
Speaking during the meeting, Cr Lorentson said the parking arrangement provided a benefit for the community and local businesses.
Cr Lorentson said the parking generated $117,488 in fees while costing about $35,000 to operate during peak periods.
“Ending the arrangement outright is not a balanced choice; it’s going to hurt the people we represent. Tourism only works for Noosa if our residents share in the benefit,” Cr Lorentson said.
“We’re asking for three weeks per year, 21 days, which is less than six per cent.
“This argument comes up every year, but this time I think it’s important we understand the context is a bit different. Local businesses are genuinely struggling. They’re bleeding money.”
Mayor Frank Wilkie said council needed to focus on moving people rather than cars during peak holiday periods.
“A better quality of experience does not dissuade people from coming; what does is traffic congestion,” Cr Wilkie said.
“The decision to move the parking is based on data; it’s based on experience… we’re not here just to support the status quo when there’s a viable alternative.”
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Councillors did support a separate amendment requesting council staff deliver alternative transport management solutions by December 2026, including satellite parking, park-and-ride services and a community concierge service.
The committee recommendation also includes continuing the temporary use of the Main Beach Reserve car park beside the Noosa Heads Surf Club as a Main Beach Drop-Off Zone during the peak Christmas and New Year period.
Council has recommended trialling a temporary 15-minute drop-off area on Noosa Parade beside Lions Park during Go Noosa Summer 2026.
The recommendation states council should not proceed with ongoing use of Noosa Heads Lions Park for overflow parking, with staff to investigate alternative charitable arrangements associated with the Go Noosa program.
The final decision will be made at Noosa Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Thursday.
