By Margaret Maccoll
Noosa councillor Jess Glasgow has been working with Year 10 Noosa District State High School students to solve the traffic dilemma facing Hastings Street and a revamp of Noosa Junction and their solutions have been outstanding.
The students have methodically evaluated the issues facing Hastings Street, Noosa Heads, including the large numbers of daytrippers during holidays, limited access, hilly terrain and the desire to reduce carbon emissions.
Students Jasmin Smith and Bailey Cannell discussed options from park and ride to building a bridge from the Woods across the Noosa River.
In conclusion she argued: “Overall, the Congestion Area charge or toll system would be the most effective proposal to combat the congestion in Noosa’s Hasting Street.”
It was again a top effort when they turned their attention to Noosa Junction.
The students outlined the problems facing the area and went about solving them.
“A list of changes has been put forward to correct the haphazard growth of Noosa Junction and to promote further development,” they said.
“This would include the development of multi-level residential apartments, a road between Lanyana Way and Noosa Drive, filling vacant stores and changing the pavement.”
The students suggested that residents from the residential apartments would bring foot traffic to the area.
They thought a multinational company such as an Apple store would attract a younger demographic and a night club sited at the opposite end of the area from Flanagan’s Irish Pub would bring in the middle-aged demographic.
The students were assisted in their projects by University of Sunshine Coast Associate Professor Johanna Rosier, Noosa Council strategic planner Michelle Tucker, councillor Jess Glasgow and Traders Association chairman Stephen Boyd.
