A 10 month and $8million upgrade of 1.2km of one of the shire’s busiest roads, Noosa Parade, was officially opened on Monday with Noosa councillors, Noosa MP and interested parties test driving the widened bike and pedestrian path of the “active transport corridor”.
Councillor Amelia Lorentson, standing in for Mayor Clare Stewart, joined Noosa MP Sandy Bolton to open the upgraded section.
It provides an improved and safer access for all-round users and promotes happy and healthy travel, Cr Lorentson said.
Cr Lorentson said council’s recent Liveability survey showed increased walking and riding infrastructure to be a top priority.
“Residents tell us they would use their bikes more if there was more infrastructure,” she said.
“Bike riding, whether it is for sport, commuting or just for recreation, is a popular activity in Noosa. The 1.5 metre on-road bike lane and permanent reduction in the speed limit to 40km will help improve road safety for all users.
“New LED lighting will provide a much needed safety boost for those bike-riding and walking in the evening and early mornings.”
All bus stops in the corridor were upgraded to meet disability compliance standards and three Noosa-style bus shelters were also installed to make public transport in the area more accessible and convenient.
Cr Lorentson said 350 new mature trees and 8000 shrubs had been planted along the corridor to provide shade and improve the visual amenity.
Ms Bolton acknowledged the community concerns that were raised when trees were removed from the corridor at the start of the project but said the new trees had been planted in consultation with the community.
She congratulated council and contractors for a “fantastic job” and praised residents for their assistance during the construction period.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey congratulated the council on completing the work, which was partially funded through the State Government’s Cycle Network Local Government Grants program.
“Investment in safer bike-riding infrastructure helps get more people riding, more often, and promotes healthy travel,” he said.
“Our investments in bike-riding infrastructure are targeted at the highest priority cycling routes that improve connectivity across the local network.”
Mayor Clare Stewart said council’s vision for the project was a safer street that works for everyone, “whether you’re on four wheels, two wheels, or your own two feet”.
The upgrade delivers new disability compliant refuge islands and wider pathways, including a 1.5m southern pathway and 2.5m northern pathway.
“By providing dedicated on-road bicycle lanes, as well as safer pathways and pedestrian crossings, we hope to see more residents and visitors choosing to leave their cars at home,” she said.
Noosa Parade is a core route in the Principal Cycle Network Plan for south-east Queensland.
Construction of the $8 million Noosa Parade corridor upgrade was funded by state and local government.
The bus stop upgrades were funded by the State Government’s Passenger Transport Accessible Infrastructure Program which provided dollar for dollar funding support to Council for the civil works and $19,000 per shelter under the Bus Stop Shelter Program.
