Noosa Council to vote on revised draft plans for Noosaville Foreshore Master Plan

The Noosa Council was forced back to the drawing board over its controversial scheme to redevelop the Noosaville foreshore. See what’s in and out of the latest plan.

Revised plans for the pirate playground at Noosaville.

A controversial masterplan to redevelop the Noosaville foreshore has been redesigned following strong community backlash over reduced carparking and the removal of key facilities.

The first draft for the Noosaville Foreshore Master Plan was released for community consultation by the Noosa Council over June and July and quickly amassed strong responses from locals.

The original plans for the two-kilometre stretch on the Noosa River included the controversial removal of public tennis courts, a boat ramp and a number of car parks.

According to the planning report, the existing foreshore infrastructure is no longer fit for purpose and the area is at risk of river flooding, however, initial plans “drew widespread criticism”.

Revised plans for the inclusion of the existing tennis courts at the Noosaville Foreshore.

It is shown in the updated plans, existing carparking bays and recreation facilities, such as the tennis courts and boat ramp, will be retained and enhanced, rather than removed.

“Businesses and residents told us that reducing carparking along the foreshore, would redirect parking to the side and back streets of the surrounding area, making existing parking less available for residents and customers,” the report stated.
“Almost all carparking spaces along the foreshore have been retained. About 10 spaces on Gympie Terrace alongside the boat ramp are proposed to be converted into scooter and motorcycle parking.”

The designs of promenades and structures have also been simplified in the latest plans to match the “natural, relaxed vibe of the foreshore” respondents were worried would be lost to the “elaborate” styles initially proposed.

According to the planning report, the upgrades will cost more than $10m to complete.

The Noosa Council is set to vote on endorsing the revised draft at a special meeting on Wednesday afternoon.

The council declined to comment on the revised draft plan until after the special meeting.