Residents react to Noosaville Foreshore Master Plan’s tennis court, parking removal

Noosa locals are striking back at plans to transform a river foreshore, saying the removal of much-needed parking spaces and a tennis court would “throw away nearly 80 years of history”.

Design concept of the proposed playground to replace the tennis courts near Ely Park. Photo: Noosa Shire Council

A long-standing sports feature in a major recreational zone in Noosa could be relocated among the council’s master plan.

The Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan has been opened for community feedback until July 7, showing proposed plans for a 2km stretch along Gympie Terrace.

One of the major redevelopments would include the removal of the tennis court at Ely Park, currently being used by the Noosaville Tennis Club, in favour of a playground for “all abilities and ages”.

Plans show the playground would be in close proximity to an allocated swimming area with “all abilities beach access” and a community hub with picnic tables and barbecues.

Noosa Shire Council’s FAQ sheet outlined plans to relocate the tennis court to Quamby Place within Noosa Sound instead.

Another major change to the recreational strip would be the removal of about 100 car parks to increase green space along the foreshore area.

Noosa Shire Council’s FAQ sheet noted the removal would equal to about 2000sqm of additional green space for “community enjoyment.”

The solution pitched was to instead increase parking in areas within walking distance to the foreshore.

Map of the proposed playground and community hub (encircled) at Ely Park. Photo: Noosa Shire Council

An example was to incorporate about 50 kerbside and centre parking bays on Mary St which would be about a four minute walk for visitors.

Longtime Noosa resident Grant Upton - whose wife and father-in-law are the secretary and president of the Noosaville Tennis Club - has been active on social media and in the community advocating for the preservation of the tennis court.

Mr Upton said if it were not for council’s sports and recreation team, the plans could have been released without prior consultation, and a meeting was arranged in May to notify the club of the proposal to relocate the court.

The location at Quamby Place would not be suitable due to poor conditions, lack of bookings and reduction in self-sufficiency and community input, he said.

Council’s planning team then met with the club after plans were released publicly where members were told to direct their concerns to their survey.

A different proposal pitched by the club would be to install play equipment across the foreshore length, encouraging visitors to move throughout the area and reduce parking build up in a single location.

Mr Upton suggested Munna Park, which he described as “spacious and underutilised,” to be a more suitable choice for a “destination playground”.

The plans devastated the tennis club, of which many members are part of the aging population who benefit from social and physical wellbeing from club activities.

Apex Park has been proposed to include a grassed amphitheatre, river lookouts and new and enhanced park facilities in the Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan. Photo: Noosa Shire Council.

“Members say they would not be comfortable joining another club, they feel the nature of the club is unique which is why it has members who still play well into their 80s,” Mr Upton said.

“They do not have to throw away nearly 80 years of history and the tireless work of generations of club members to achieve a goal of adding better play equipment.”

The earliest photo of the court held by the club dates back to 1947 and Mr Upton, after speaking to members of longtime Noosaville families, heard many fond childhood recollections of the court in the 1940s and 1950s.

“The court is one of a few surviving foreshore courts from an era when they were once plentiful and an important part of social life in regional towns,” he said.

Mr Upton reiterated the proposed parking changes has become a point of concerns for all residents, suggesting there would be a decrease in visitors if parking spaces directly by the foreshore were to be reduced by up to a third.

Infrastructure services acting director Shaun Walsh said the tennis court is public land managed by the state government and the community currently has an opportunity to consider the long-term future of this space as part of the foreshore masterplan.

“Noosa Council maintains tennis courts in other locations in the shire including nearby Noosa Sound,” he said.

“This is a 20-year plus blueprint, which focuses on maintaining the foreshore’s beauty, safety and better prepares the foreshore for climate change impacts such as heatwave, flooding and storm tides.

“We appreciate there are different opinions about this well-utilised parkland and we are eager to hear the community’s views so the plan reflects the collective vision.”