A foreshore park will remain public open space this Christmas rather than being used for overflow parking during the busy holiday period.
Lions Park at Noosa Heads will be kept available for families and beachgoers, while Noosa Council increases its focus on park-and-ride, free public transport and traffic management.
The free Loop Bus, Route 065, will operate between the Noosa AFL grounds and Noosa Heads from December 9 to January 26.
More than 74,000 passenger trips were recorded on the service last summer.
Acting infrastructure services director Bill Haddrill encouraged visitors to consider several alternatives to driving into the Hastings Street precinct.
“Visitors are encouraged to make use of the free loop bus, or park at Noosa Junction bus station, and the J as alternatives to driving into Hastings Street during the peak periods,” Mr Haddrill said.
“We’ll have a stronger focus on traffic management, improving the free bus service and providing clear, up-to-date travel information.
“These initiatives aim to 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.”
The Main Beach drop-off zone will return after being used last summer, with disability parking permit spaces and emergency vehicle access to remain available throughout the holiday period.
“Using this carpark as a drop-off area, with marshals on hand to assist, helps keep traffic flowing through the Hastings Street precinct roundabouts and helps reduce the long queues,” Mr Haddrill said.
Council is also discussing with Tewantin Noosa Lions Club whether volunteers could assist at the drop-off zone and potentially the park-and-ride location during peak periods.
Any future use of Lions Park for overflow parking would first require the council to prepare a Land Management Plan after the state government recently confirmed the requirement.
Director of regulation and planning Richard MacGillivray said the process, which would include community consultation, could not be completed before Christmas.
“Council staff will prepare a report later this year for council’s consideration advising on the cost and timing to develop a Land Management Plan for Lions Park,” Mr MacGillivray said.
The decision follows concerns from Tewantin Noosa Lions Club, which has previously used parking at the site to raise money for community projects.
Club president Ross Barker told Sunshine Coast News in July the group was “very disappointed” by the council’s decision.
“Over the last six years, Lions Parking has generated $250,000 with all monies reinvested into the local community,” Mr Barker said.
The funds have supported projects including a modified vehicle for a child with disabilities, a patient transport buggy for Noosa Hospital, beach accessibility initiatives, local charities, Christmas hampers for disadvantaged families and youth opportunities.
Mr Barker said the parking had also provided another option during the peak summer period.
“The Hastings Street precinct faces chronic parking shortages, particularly during Christmas school holidays,” he said.
Sunshine Coast News has requested comment from Tewantin Noosa Lions Club.
