Noosa Council has opened the door to bringing holiday overflow parking back to Lions Park, just weeks after deciding to discontinue the seasonal program.
At its ordinary meeting on Thursday, council voted to write to the Queensland government seeking interim approval to use part of the Noosa Heads reserve for temporary overflow parking during the 2026 Christmas period.
Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson and Cr Nicola Wilson voted for the final resolution, while Cr Brian Stockwell and Cr Tom Wegener voted against.
The proposed parking would operate for approximately 21 days during the Christmas period.
Council will tell the Queensland government the use would be temporary and limited, while pointing to the site’s historical use for seasonal overflow parking, community demand during peak holiday periods and the community, economic and charitable benefits associated with the arrangement.
It will also cite existing safeguards including seasonal operating limits, wet-weather closures, vegetation protection, site management controls and post-season rehabilitation works.
The state government request will run alongside an investigation into whether a broader Land Management Plan should be prepared for Lions Park. A council report estimates the work could take 6 to 12 months and cost between $30,000 and $75,000, excluding staff time.
Council will ultimately decide whether to proceed with preparing the plan and allocating a budget after receiving the further report.
The Tewantin Noosa Lions Club had previously expressed disappointment at council’s decision to scrap the seasonal program, arguing the parking helped ease congestion during the Christmas holiday period while providing funding for local community projects.
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.
