A local council has been briefed on the future of its recreational boating facilities, with three priority locations identified for improved infrastructure.
The update was given to Noosa councillors at last week’s Services and Organisation Committee meeting following confirmation from Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) that it would allocate $2.5 million to future projects.
In March 2023, MSQ released its findings for the Recreational Boating Facilities Demand Forecasting Study 2022, which identified a raft of recommended projects for the Noosa region.
In a report to the committee on Tuesday, the council’s infrastructure services director Shaun Walsh outlined the initiatives council is considering following the MSQ report.
“Progress, though limited, has been made on defining scope at three facilities including the Noosa Woods Jetty, the Noosaville Boat Ramp and the Hilton Esplanade Tewantin (Doonella Bridge) Boat Ramp,” he said.
“In addition, council has been advised that funding is likely to be made available by MSQ for recreational boating facilities in the near future.”
The report outlines an update on the status of initiatives for the three priority locations being considered by the council.
“Civil and Marine Consulting has been commissioned to undertake an options assessment of renewal of the Noosa Woods Jetty,” the report stated.
“The terms of reference include public, commercial and potential future public transport use of a renewed facility, as well as clear articulation of design and statutory obligations.
“The initial scoping report is proposed to be presented to council in the near future to determine next steps.
“Developed proposals will require external stakeholder engagement.”
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The Noosaville Boat Ramp and supporting pontoons fall within the draft Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan (NFIMP) and proposes ongoing improvement including the replacement of jetties or pontoons.
“The NFIMP is proposed to be presented at council’s June meeting for further consideration and intended to provide clarity for further upgrades and investment,” the report said.
The report also outlined that while funding had been allocated, the council was yet to receive conformation as to what the funding would cover.
“Council has funding for routine maintenance and renewal of recreational boating facilities, but does not currently have allocations for any proposed upgrades,” it said.
“Encouragingly, MSQ have verbally advised that the Queensland Government have allocated $2.5 million to the upgrade of Noosa River recreational boating facilities.
“Council is yet to received formal correspondence confirming the funding, and its scope including whether it applies to onshore facilities (traditional council jurisdiction) and/or requires a co-contribution from council.
“Council officers are in discussions with MSQ to confirm funding arrangements.”
It was stipulated that the priority location for investment “would be subject to further council deliberation and decision” and that “future river recreational facilities would require external consultation”.
Another prong to the boating infrastructure upgrades is the provision of updated car and boat trailer parking.
The report addressed the Parking Management Plan, saying it would be discussed at a later date.
“The preparation of the Parking Management Plan for the Noosaville foreshore (and other localities) is well advanced and will be presented to council and the community later this calendar year,” it said.
Councillor Jessica Phillips moved a committee recommendation to refer the item to the General Committee meeting due to the significance of the issue.
The motion was accrued unanimously.
