Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart
Well, we are well and truly in the festive season.
This was never more evident than seeing how many people in our community came together and got involved in the fun of this year’s Christmas convoy as we made our way around the Shire. So many residents were in their driveways and celebrating with neighbours as the convoy, including Santa, passed through.
Thank you to all who got involved. The convoy began as a way to fill the gap left by the cancellation of Christmas events last year due to Covid, as well as a way to thank and acknowledge the work of local emergency services.
It was so successful we decided to bring it back this year- bigger and better with the addition of some extra streets to expand the convoy’s reach. The convoy is an initiative of Noosa Council, supported by emergency services, Hot 91 and Madill Motor Group.
With major construction of Stage 1 of the Tewantin Bypass set to start in the coming weeks, it was great to be able to turn the first sod at the intersection of Cooroy-Noosa Road and Beckmans Road recently. The Tewantin Bypass is the long-awaited final link in upgrading our arterial road network, with this intersection the first location for the planned full bypass. The upgraded Cooroy-Noosa Road and Beckmans Road intersection will include a new two-lane roundabout, on-road bike lanes, and pedestrian refuges. The upgrade will improve safety and congestion, with improved traffic flow particularly during peak periods. Council is proudly delivering this project through a funding agreement with the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Speaking of significant expenditure, Council recently awarded a contract to expand our current landfill capacity. The $6.53 million construction contract will expand existing landfill cells to help meet Noosa’s waste needs for the next decade or so. The contractor will expand two existing landfill cells at the Eumundi-Noosa Road waste facility and install final capping over sections that have reached capacity. Along with this, Council will investigate new ways of diverting material from landfill and bringing about waste-behaviour change through education and awareness programs as part of developing a new waste strategy. Changing behaviour takes time though, so the landfill expansion will provide the landfill space our community needs while we all work on improving recycling and waste reduction. The expansion is a part of a landfill masterplan developed to ensure the most efficient use of the site to meet Noosa’s long-term waste needs.
To say we are disappointed with the decision of the Planning and Environment Court regarding the Kin Kin Quarry is an understatement, but the fight is not over. Although our application for interim enforcement orders was unsuccessful (these orders sought to stop quarry truck movements during school bus hours on the Pomona Kin Kin Road) we will, and are, progressing our application to the Planning and Environment Court seeking final enforcement orders. These orders centre around alleged breaches by the quarry operator and seek to address the intensification of use issues.
We said we would stand with the community on this issue and that is what we are doing. We’ll be seeking for the operators of the quarry to limit the number of quarry trucks per day, avoid convoying and ensure movements are within the operating hours, with all truck loads covered. The final hearing will take place over 3 days from 2-4 March 2022.
To end on a high note – a big thank-you to all those who responded to our liveability survey. We received over 1000 responses which will give us at Council a good insight into what you consider important in your suburbs and villages. This information will help shape our future budget deliberations.
Finally, our Go Noosa Transport initiatives return for the upcoming Christmas holiday period. Enjoy the ease of getting around Noosa on the free holiday buses, which run from 11 December 2021- 23 January 2022. For more information on Go Noosa and the upcoming free holiday buses, please visit noosa.qld.gov.au/go-noosa-holidays
As we come to the close of 2021, the year has been challenging for so many in our community with the impacts of Covid still being felt on many levels, however, the resilience and spirit of the Noosa Shire community has so clearly shone through. It has inspired me, along with all other Councillors, on a daily basis.
On behalf of them and all at Noosa Council we wish you, your families and loved ones, a safe, happy and peaceful Christmas. We look forward to working with, and for you, in 2022.
Merry Christmas, love Clare.
