At this month’s General Meeting, I moved an alternative motion to the staff recommendation concerning the use of the Noosa Heads Lions Park Reserve during peak holiday periods. This motion was put to Council to support the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club, and ensure that the future use of this valuable space is shaped by the voices of those it impacts most—our residents and businesses.
The motion requested that for 30 days only, during the Christmas and New Year 2025, as well as the Easter period 2025, we approve using the Lions Park Reserve for paid parking. This would allow the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club to preserve their 20-year tradition of managing the car park—a role that has become integral to their fundraising efforts. Additionally, the motion provided that any future decisions regarding the use of Lions Park undergo a thorough public consultation process. This would provide the community with the opportunity to express their views about the future use of the park.
Furthermore, the motion included a reference to a concept I introduced to the Council in September 2021—a one-way “Local Loop” with a Bus Priority Lane from Noosa Drive to Noosa Parade. This idea was proposed to encourage bus usage, increase frequency, and alleviate congestion. By noting this initiative in the motion, I aimed to ensure that it remains on the table for consideration in our ongoing discussions and planning. I firmly believe that, if executed properly, this concept could significantly improve our transport infrastructure.
Regarding the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club, I want to thank the volunteers for their remarkable service to our community. These dedicated individuals are the friendly faces that greet our residents, workers, and visitors at the Lions Club. They endure long hours managing the car park, not for personal gain, but with the knowledge that the funds they raise will be reinvested into the community. It was truly a pleasure to advocate for what is their largest fundraising activity—managing the parking at the Lions Park.
During the meeting, I shared the following:
I emphasized the importance of continuing the tradition of allowing paid parking at Lions Park during peak holiday periods, as the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club has managed it for over 20 years. I argued that removing 239 parking spots during these busy times would contribute to congestion and that allowing parking at Lions Park would help mitigate this. I also highlighted that the Lions Club’s fundraising efforts, which have raised over $1 million between 2018 and 2024, directly benefit local community projects.
I stressed that any decision about the future use of Lions Park should undergo public consultation, as the Council promised in March 2023. The community’s input is crucial to balancing the need for public parkland access with the request for paid parking.
I acknowledged that while Lions Park may not be a perfect long-term solution, it currently provides a practical option to meet the immediate needs of our residents, businesses, and visitors. The Noosa Shire Local Economic Plan emphasizes aligning our transport strategy with the local business community’s needs, including ensuring essential infrastructure like parking is available during critical periods.
I also highlighted the impact of the Lions Club’s work, noting that between 2018 and 2024, the volunteers raised over $1 million and parked more than 57,000 cars. These funds have been crucial in supporting various community projects, such as the all-access beach mat at Main Beach, the Seahorse Nipper program, personal care packs for those in need, Red Kite Charity, Lions Mobility Foundation, our youth and sponsorships for many of our local sporting organizations and charities. Given the significance of the Lions Club’s fundraising activities, I argued that it would be unfair and premature to cut off their primary source of revenue without first engaging in a proper consultation process with the community.
In March 2023, the Council resolved to consult the public on the issue of paid parking during long weekends and school holidays and to gather feedback on the future use of Lions Park. This consultation has not yet occurred, and I argued that it is essential to honour that commitment before making any decisions that could impact the Lions Club’s fundraising activities and the community’s access to parking.
The community’s recent feedback on other local initiatives, such as the Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Management Plan, the River Plan, and the People’s Park petition, has made it clear that they highly value parking spaces. Therefore, any decision about the future of Lions Park must be made with their input, balancing the broader community’s need for access to public parkland with the request for paid parking on this reserve.
In conclusion, the paid parking at Lions Park represents the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club’s commitment to community service—’unpaid work that directly benefits others’. By supporting their efforts to manage parking for 30 days, we, the Noosa community, are the beneficiaries.
Thank you, Lions, for your unwavering commitment and for not giving up the ‘Lions Park’ car parking. Your determination inspires me.
Please note: Recent amendments to the Land Act now allow Noosa Council to manage the land appropriately on the basis that it will not affect the public interest.
(A majority at the General Meeting supported the alternate motion. A final decision will be made on Thursday.)
