Stage one of construction to upgrade the Noosa Parade corridor, one of Noosa’s busiest pedestrian and cycle routes, is well under way.
Mayor Clare Stewart said construction kicked off at the beginning of February and was progressing well with stage one, which is the section from Munna Point Bridge to Lagoona Drive, expected to be completed in June.
“Council has been working with the community on this project since 2017 when we consulted extensively on the design elements of this upgrade including amenity, safety, accessibility landscaping and lighting,’ Ms Stewart said.
“As our population continues to grow, we need to continue to tackle traffic congestion and parking issues by reducing reliance on cars and encouraging the use of active and sustainable transport options.”
“This upgrade delivers this by creating an environment that supports the use of transport options, such as walking, cycling, and public transport.”
“Once completed, the 1.2km major upgrade will provide improved and safer access for all road users as well as improving the visual amenity of this significant gateway to the busy Noosa Heads precinct with landscaping including 350 new trees and over 8000 ground cover or shrubs,” Ms Stewart said.
State Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton said the active transport upgrades would benefit local residents.
“We know that, on average, every dollar we invest in bike-riding infrastructure will return nearly five dollars in economic benefit to Queensland,” Ms Bolton said.
“These investments also lead to improved health outcomes, reduced traffic congestion and lower transport costs.
“That’s why the Queensland Government committed $252 million in funding over the next four years to support and encourage bike riding across the state, such as the Noosa Corridor Upgrade.
“Investments like this help get more people riding more often.”
Ms Bolton welcomed the works with partner funding provided by the State Government for projects that have been prioritised by Noosa Council, and thanked Minister Mark Bailey, TMR and Council for these partnerships that benefit her community.
“We know there are significant health outcomes, reduction in traffic congestion and parking issues when our community leave the car at home and use sustainable transport options,” Ms Bolton said.
“I am looking forward to watching this project as it progresses and taking a walk or ride along Noosa Parade later in the year to experience firsthand the differences this can make.”
The Noosa Parade corridor upgrade will deliver:
– Dedicated and continuous on-road cycle lanes in both directions and a permanent reduction in the speed limit to 40km/h.
– 2.5m wide concrete pathway on the northern side of the road and a 1.5m wide pathway on the southern side.
– Enhanced landscaping and new trees that will provide extra shade and improve visual amenity.
– Eight mid-block, cut through pedestrian refuges along the route.
– New low energy LED lighting will improve use of the pathway after dark.
Council CEO, Scott Waters, said Queensland construction contractor Bellwether Contractors Pty Ltd was delivering the project safely and efficiently.
“This upgrade is being delivered in three stages, the first being Munna Point Bridge to Lagoona Drive, followed by Lagoona Drive to Belli St, and finally Belli St to Noosa Parade roundabout,” Mr Waters said.
“Working systematically along 400m sections of Noosa Parade at a time, allows better management of road and pedestrian traffic and minimises the temporary reduction in parking whilst construction is underway.
“As each stage is completed, parking bays will be line marked and reopened to the community.
“Council has undertaken extensive community and stakeholder engagement during the design and development phases of the project and, in partnership with Bellwether Contractors Pty Ltd, continue to work with the community to provide updates as works progress.”
The construction of the $8 million Noosa Parade corridor upgrade is partially funded by the Department of Transport and Main Roads through the Cycle Network Local Government Grants program with the balance funded by Council.
