A riverside business owner has raised concerns about the impact of a $1 million toilet block project, warning construction works could make trading almost impossible.
Noosa Council is constructing new accessible public amenities at the Noosaville Foreshore in response to community feedback, with the project a key outcome of the Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan.
For safety reasons, sections of Quota Park will be temporarily fenced off during construction.
Pelican Boat Hire Noosa owner Craig McGovern said the business was not given enough notice by council about the impact of the planned works.
“They failed to mention to anybody until four days before that they’re about to build this huge sewage trench right through our driveways and in front of our businesses and expected us to run a coffee shop six metres from a trench,” he said.
Mr McGovern said the issue was not the need for the new toilet block, but the lack of communication around the construction process.
“What the issue for us is there is no consultation on what they’re doing and a contempt for business, which is a bit like the old Doonella Bridge thing,” he said.
In response, a Noosa Council spokesperson said local businesses had multiple opportunities to provide feedback through the planning process.
This included community pop-up events, stakeholder consultation, direct engagement with businesses and one-on-one meetings with neighbouring businesses and key user groups before construction began.
“Since works began, ongoing communication and project updates have continued to be provided to foreshore businesses throughout construction,” a spokesperson said.
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Mr McGovern said the works could have a significant impact on his business.
“We’re the only diesel fuel on the Noosa River and we’re the main fuel supplier,” he said.
“Our trucks would not be able to get to the building. So, unless they solve the fuel, there would be for a period there’ll be no fuel on the Noosa River.”
Council said a temporary vehicle access arrangement was being planned adjacent to the existing access, with staging of works to be undertaken at the request of businesses.
“Pedestrians will be able to continue to access businesses and travel along the river. No impact to marine operations are anticipated,” a spokesperson said.
Mr McGovern said the construction could make it difficult to continue operating as normal.
“I expect we would close for the worst days. I would have casual baristas and casual serving staff that would be standing around doing nothing,” he said.
“What they’re proposing could have been well planned and easily mitigated and done in stages, so the impacts weren’t as bad. But they didn’t think to do that.”
Council said the underground sewer connection was designed by qualified hydraulic engineers, with all necessary approvals in place.
The connection point is located within Quota Park on the opposite side of the pathway fronting the businesses, with no other suitable connection points identified.
“The new underground sewer connection is required to connect the facility to the existing network,” a spokesperson said.
“Some noise during the upgrade of a section of existing path and excavation of the underground sewer connection can be expected.
“These noisier activities are likely to require three to five non-consecutive days to complete.”
Once complete, the facility will provide safe, dignified and inclusive amenities for people with high support needs and their carers, as well as public toilets and showers for the broader community and visitors to the foreshore.
Construction is expected to finish by November, subject to weather and construction conditions.
The delivery of this project is funded by the Queensland Government, including a $1 million election commitment, complemented by funding from the South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program, in association with Noosa Council.
