By Margaret Maccoll
Emotions ran high when residents staged a meeting last Thursday to protest an off leash dog area and bike path proposed for foreshore land adjacent Chaplin Park as part of the Noosaville Foreshore Land Use Master Plan.
Residents say the land was bequeathed to the Shire on condition it would not be developed, property owners were assured by Noosa Council the park would not be developed and developing the flood prone land would create a dam effect and pollute the river with canine waste.
In addition residents say the site is the “last remaining passive recreational area with direct frontage to the Noosa River in the Noosaville area” and car parking was already at capacity.
“The development of a fenced off leash area would change this land to active recreation, “ resident Andrea Fox
“We believe essentially that it is not in keeping with the Noosa Biosphere program and Tourism Noosa’s slogan of “Noosa Naturally”.”
The foreshore plan has drawn considerable response from residents and organisations. Noosa Parks Association created a petition calling for public access to foreshore parkland. The Waterfront Restaurant also created a petition calling for support to serve drinks and canapés to guests on a 16mx6m patch of grassland on the foreshore in front of the restaurant.
“We look after this grassed area and pay the Council for permits to use it for an average of three to eight hours a week when we have weddings,” restaurant owners Andrea and Kerri Ravezzani said. “Now the Council opposes us offering a canapé and a glass of champagne to guests following the ceremony and before they go to the restaurant for a reception.”
On Saturday a wedding ceremony was held on the foreshore about 100m from the restaurant. After the ceremony the guests and wedding party were seen sharing a toast with the BYO drinks.
Several issues have been raised in council meetings in relation to the plan including the use of commercial land by foreshore businesses such as coffee kiosks and boat hire and the use of public land by not for profit organisation Noosa Yacht Club as a car and boat parking area with exclusive use and boom gate control.
Today is the final day for residents to have their say on the foreshore plan. To have your say visit yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au
