Car park returns to the people

Hey Bill Watson applauds the car park trial.

A pop-up People’s Park is coming to Main Beach Noosa Heads for two weeks this holiday season.

The global phenomenon of converting parking spots into more sociable and family-friendly activation sites is set to be trialed at the Main Beach carpark.

Dubbed the Main Beach People’s Park, the concept aims to create a fun, relaxed gathering place for beach goers.

Acting Infrastructure Services director Shaun Walsh said the partial closure of the carpark had the full support of local businesses.

“We are returning the carpark back to the people from December 23 to January 7,“ he said.

“There will be a drop off and pick up drive through lane along with disability bays available, but the remainder of the carpark will be transformed into a setting of picnic tables, chairs, marquees and live music,“ he said.

“We are looking to create a place where people can socialise, relax, enjoy a picnic while visiting the beach,” Mr Walsh said.

Bill Watson from Hey Bill is ecstatic about the trial.

“I’ve been a long-time advocate about seeing the car park returned to the people and this is such a wonderful initiative,” he said.

“It’s a unique, positive way of putting the people first when visiting the beach.“

Hastings Street Association is supporting the trial by providing live entertainment during the two-week trial.

Mayor Clare Stewart said the partial closure of the carpark coupled with council’s free Go Noosa holiday buses was about making the area more accessible for those heading to Noosa’s Main beach.

“Our free holiday buses are also back from this weekend,” she said.

From December 9 to January 21, there are five free Translink services that run across the shire.

The Translink. Services include the 626, 627, 628, 629 and 632 only.

“You can also take advantage of the electric shuttle that runs every 15 minutes from 7 am until 7 pm and half-hourly until 10 pm, linking Noosa Heads, Noosa Junction, Weyba Road and Noosa Parade.

“Park your car for free at the Weyba Road AFL ground, The J or anywhere along the route and catch the 065 Loop Bus from there,” Cr Stewart said.

Returning is the additional free temporary route 064 servicing Peregian Beach to Noosa Heads, which runs north hourly from 7.32 am to 5.32 pm.

For more information on the free bus services, visit the Translink website or call 13 12 30 anytime. A weekend timetable will operate on public holidays.

Details are also available on council’s website.