Temporary traffic changes will be in place in and around Hastings Street over Christmas and the New Year to help reduce congestion and improve safety during Noosa’s busiest holiday period.
Noosa Council’s Director of Infrastructure Services, Shaun Walsh, said the changes include using the surf club car park as a passenger drop-off area from December 20 to January 4.
“Using this carpark as a drop-off area, with marshalls on hand to assist, helps keep traffic flowing through the Hastings Street precinct roundabouts – as we saw last year – because we don’t have vehicles circling, stopping, maneuvering, and waiting for parking spaces, which causes the long queues,” Mr Walsh said.
“Families and beachgoers move through this area on foot in very high numbers over the holidays, and by managing vehicle movements it makes for a much safer environment for pedestrians too.”
Council will provide shaded waiting areas at the drop-off area, extra female toilets, a filtered water station, and more bike and scooter parking.
Disability parking permit spaces and emergency vehicle access will remain available throughout the holiday period.
“Council staff will be on the ground to guide pedestrians and provide information and advice on the travel options available,” Mr Walsh said.
“Our beach precincts become some of the busiest places in Queensland during the Christmas and New Year period, creating significant congestion.”
Visitors are encouraged to park at Noosa Heads Lions Park, Noosa Junction bus station, The J, and Noosa Marina, and hop aboard either the free Go Noosa Loop Bus or low-cost Translink services to travel quickly and easily around town.
The Loop Bus (065) will operate from December 13 to January 26.
“All of the initiatives we’re putting in place are designed to help manage congestion, improve pedestrian safety and help ensure everyone can access the Main Beach precinct as easily as possible during the busiest time of year,” Mr Walsh said.
Council encourages residents and visitors to plan ahead, make use of alternative transport to the private car wherever possible, and enjoy a safe and relaxed summer season in Noosa.
