Why has this section of Noosa Drive been selected for this project?

    Noosa Drive is a key link between the popular tourist attraction of Noosa Heads and Noosa Junction. The creation of a pedestrian and cycle link between Noosa Lions Park and Sunshine Beach Road has been identified as a high priority via the Noosa High Priority Cycle Route Corridor Study and Concept Design (HPR) and it aligns with various Noosa Transport Strategy objectives.

    Where will the route be located?

    The concept designs define a pathway that joins Noosa Lions Park to Sunshine Beach Road with a crossing point near Noosa Junction. The total length of the pathway will be approximately 1500ms.

    Will cyclists be separated from pedestrians?

    The preferred treatment is a separated Boardwalk through Lions Park, a Noosa Style Cycle Street on Noosa Drive Service Road West and a Noosa Style Cycle Track on Noosa Drive with a crossing point near Noosa Junction.

    How wide will the pathways be?

    The path widths will be confirmed as part of detailed design but generally the pedestrian paths will be 2m wide and the cycle paths 3m wide.

    Will the cycle link be on a pathway or on the road between Noosa Lions Park and Sunshine Beach Road?

    The objective of the project is to improve off road facilities thus encouraging walking and beginner or less experienced cyclists. It is intended to retain the existing on road cycle lane where possible between the Hibiscus Ave and Sunshine Beach Road for cyclists who choose to stay on the road.

    Will there be any changes to traffic turning lanes for streets along this section of Noosa Drive?

    The early concept stage design is indicating the need to remove the right turn in and right turn out movements from Viewland Drive. The northbound entry from Noosa Drive to the roundabout with Hibiscus Avenue will also be reduced from two lanes to one. The ‘road diet’ is required to provide space for the pedestrian and cyclists paths.

    Will there be any changes to parking along this section of Noosa Drive?

    Some parking on Noosa Drive will be relocated slightly however there will be no loss in parking.

    Will there be any changes to speed limits on this section of Noosa Drive?

    The speed limit on Noosa Drive will remain at 40km/hr

    Will there be pedestrian crossings along this section of Noosa Drive?

    A pedestrian crossing is proposed across Noosa Drive between Sunshine Beach Road and Bottlebrush Avenue.

    Will there be lighting installed along the pathway?

    Lighting will be included as part of the project.

    Will the pathway be fully accessible?

    The accessibility of the pathway will be constrained by the physical and environmental characteristics including width, existing vegetation and gradient of Noosa Drive.

    Will there be shade, shelter or rest stops along the pathway?

    The active transport link will be designed as an experience with some aspects being like the Park Road Boardwalk. The design will include shade, shelters, rest stops and viewing platforms.

    Will any trees be cut down?

    Selected clearing of weeds and other smaller tree species will be required to construct the boardwalk section of the project. Clearing will be minimised to only that of which is absolutely necessary to undertake the works. Noosa Council will undertake offset planting works to compensate for each tree removed.

    Once the detailed design is finished, when will the pathway be constructed?

    Noosa Council intend to apply for construction grant funding following the completion of the detailed design aiming for completion in the 2025/26 financial year.

    How much will the construction cost?

    The cost of construction will be dependent on the final detailed design, constructability considerations and the climate in the construction market at the time the project goes to market for tender. However, based on current estimates, construction of the project will cost approximately $15 million.

    Is there similar pathways or boardwalks in Noosa that this will be modelled off?

    The Park Road Boardwalk which joins Hastings Street with the National Park is an example of similar style of boardwalk which has proven to be very popular with locals and tourists alike. This is known as ‘biophilic design’ which means connecting the environment with people, using natural features, landscapes and other elements.