Plan for Noosa Parklands
Council has approved a new management plan for parks and bush reserves in the Noosa Parklands estate.
Developed in consultation with the local community the plan includes 17 actions that cover signage improvements, development of an ecological restoration plan, improvements to pathways and facilities, expansion of fire trails and tree and weed management.
Cr Joe Jurisevic said the plan, developed through collaboration and consultation with Ecosure, local residents, Heritage Park Bushland Care Group and Noosa Parklands Residents Association, also discussed flooding, mosquitoes and weed control.
“We’re pleased to have finalised this document for the Noosa Parklands community and I wish to thank all of the residents who took the time to help us shape the plan and its actions,” Cr Jurisevic said.
Some actions will need to be included in council’s capital works program and future budget considerations.
To view the Noosa Parklands Management Plan, visit Council’s YourSay Noosa website at yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au.
Slash energy use and emissions
Council is making a gradual switch to LED (light-emitting diode) lighting to cut power costs and reduce emissions.
Plumbing and building services manager Allan Hazell said LEDs were now lighting up much of Council’s Tewantin chambers.
“Switching the Tewantin building’s fluoro lights to LEDs has slashed lighting costs by a third and cut emissions in half,” Mr Hazell said.
Sensors turn off lights automatically in rooms that aren’t in use, while new LED lights along the building’s exterior have reduced running and repair costs by thousands of dollars a year.
“We can recoup the cost of installing LED lights within two years. LED lights have a lower wattage, making them cheaper to run without sacrificing brightness,” Mr Hazell said.
Public toilets, street and carpark lights are also in council’s sights.
LED lighting will debut on the Hastings Street Christmas tree this year, in a combined project with the Hastings Street Association. Council is also trialling solar lights at several sites.
LED lighting is one of the ways council is reducing its emissions and cutting energy costs, having called in climate experts Dr Stephen Bygrave and Michael Lord from Beyond Zero Emissions for advice.
Paving way for new road surface trials
Council is considering trialling new road surfaces, including a product made from used printer cartridges.
Director of planning and infrastructure Martin Drydale said there were several innovations council was looking to road-test as part of this year’s re-seal and rehabilitation program.
“There are various alternatives to traditional asphalt that promise environmental benefits, making them well worth a look,” Mr Drydale said.
“One such product is manufactured using old toner cartridges from printers, these being combined with recycled car tyres. If successful, each kilometre of paving would potentially avert thousands of plastic cartridges from ending up in landfill.
“Another asphalt product is poured at a lower temperature, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Plus we will continue to look for opportunities to reclaim our old asphalt and recycle it.
“Noosa Council has an opportunity to be at the forefront of innovative road technology. We look forward to working with our successful contractors to determine the best way forward.”
