No swinging at creek

DESIGN plans are underway for a new fishing platform at Weyba Creek, at the expense of the much-loved rope swings.
Council passed a resolution earlier this year to build a new fishing platform at Weyba Esplanade, and now the design for the new structure is underway.
But, in the planned works, the much-loved rope swings will be removed due to “safety concerns”.
Noosa Council planning and infrastructure director Martin Drydale said an influx in visitors to Weyba Creek had caused severe erosion and a “range of safety risks”.
“Erosion has undermined some of the trees, while some of the rope swings are attached to branches that have died and are at risk of breaking off,” he said.
“While council regrets the removal of these swings, we have a responsibility to ensure public safety on public land and we are making every effort to provide a safe, long-term access solution.”
The works are designed to provide better access and improve safety at Weyba Creek, which council said had been “loved to death”.
Council are working with Maritime Safety Queensland and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on the new fishing platform and will hold an information day for residents and volunteer groups once the designs for the new jetty are drafted.
The $220,000 project also includes erosion remediation works.
“We’ll be contacting managers of local accommodation houses to advise them of the changes and the concerns we have about safety, so they can alert their guests.” Mr Drydale said.
Council officers will continue to monitor the creek and remove any new rope swings that are put up. Council hopes to call for tenders to build the fishing platform next year.