By Abbey Cannan
The Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort has just been issued a temporary permit to use its car parking for visitors to Hastings Street.
The parking will be in use from Friday to Sunday and during school holidays Monday to Sunday, 8am until 4pm (day use only).
Cr Amelia Lorentson approached the General manager of the Sofitel, Mark Wilkinson to open his carpark to day visitors to support the Hastings Street businesses.
“There has been a significant increase in traffic in Hasting Street, especially during the weekend,” Cr Lorentson said.
“I live in Little Cove and the number of cars circling the area looking for a park has increased significantly.
“I approached key business owners and members of the Hasting Street Association, including President Emma Hull from the Hasting Street Association and Ross Fisher, the President of the Noosa Heads Surfclub to discuss parking solutions, including the re-opening of Lions Park.
“Opening Lions Park has been, and still is, the subject of community (and Councillor) argument. And best left for another day.”
Cr Lorentson said councillors did not support the re-opening of the Lions park, however, did suggest other ideas, including the Mayor’s suggestion of opening Sofitel carpark.
“I am learning very fast in this job, that you can’t always get what you want. As a person committed to solutions, negotiated outcomes are the next best thing,” she said.
Cr Lorentson said in regards to the temporary parking, that “It was important that the Sofitel pricing for carparks for day visitors did not undercut or taking parking trade from the Bay Village Car Park.”
“It was agreed that a flat fee of $25 a day be allowed.”
Parking is only allowed during the Covid-19 event while Queensland Health restrictions apply and will cease on 18 September 2020.
