For the first time, Noosa will recognise World Car Free Day on 22 September.
To support this initiative, Zero Emissions Noosa (ZEN), together with the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation and Tourism Noosa are asking people to embrace going car free at least once between 15 to 22 September.
Jenny Clement from ZEN says there are many benefits to going car free, including great prizes.
“If you pledge to replace at least one car trip between 15 to 22 September with active or public transport you will have the chance to win one of our great prizes.”
“Simply by making the pledge to go car free, you could win an ebike tour for two with ecoTekk Noosa or one of five Noosa Ferry double day passes.
“For those who are keen to be part of the fun challenge, if you share your car free trip on Facebook or Instagram and tag Zero Emissions Noosa you could win the major prize of $500.
“We are really keen to encourage participation in this first year so people are reminded of the many benefits of leaving the car at home and choosing active or public transport,” she said.
Why go car free? Queenslanders are doing well in the transition from fossil fuel powered electricity to solar energy. But our use of fossil fuels for transport is proving harder to shift.
Transport makes up one third of Noosa’s carbon emissions.
“Every car trip we can swap for a more sustainable option is going to help move the dial in the right direction – walking, cycling, carpooling or catching the bus or ferry adds up to less congestion and a more liveable neighbourhood,” said Ms Clement.
“We know the shift is not easy for everyone. Rural parts of the Shire have less access to public transport and the paths for walking and cycling can be inadequate. That’s why in our first year of Go Car Free Noosa, we’re asking the community to aim for at least one swap in their regular commute in the week leading up to World Car Free Day.”
Going car free every now and then isn’t just good for the planet—it’s great for our health too. Research shows that cycling and walking supports weight management, boosts mental wellbeing, improves overall fitness, and lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
The benefits add up: Australian’s switching car trips to walking or cycling helped avoid over 500,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions in 2022, while health and productivity savings from cycling alone are valued at almost $1 billion a year.
Top tips for going car free: (for all or part of your trip)
· Walk or cycle with your kids to school: Gain more time to chat about their day and model healthy travel.
· Park N Ride: Park in Tewantin for instance and enjoy a leisurely trip to Hasting Street on the Noosa Ferry.
· Plan your bus trip on the go: As well as Translink’s Journey Planner, Google Maps also provides real time bus information. Simply enter your destination, choose the public transport icon, and choose the best bus time and route for you. And it’s only 50 cents a trip!
· Discover local cycle paths: Noosa Council has a cycle path on their website. Or use Google Maps for specific details using their cycle map icon.
· Carpool: This is a great way to share resources and the responsibility of driving while connecting with friends and neighbours.
How will you go car free? Make your pledge at www.zeroemissionsnoosa.com.au/carfreenoosa
