Tony Wright

44:28 Mayor Wilkie: The next application for two questions is from Mr Tony Wright. Tony, would you like to come to the lectern and your questions be answered by Director Walsh.

44:52 Thank you.

44:54 Speaker 10: Council has a project prioritisation table. We have included a three-metre wide off-roaded share bath,

45:11 some on the bridge and the beach round about to Jamboree Strip. I'm leaving out a few extra rooms here.

45:26 Both of these off-road paths are located within the road reserve of the rest of the side of David Bowie Way and together would provide approximately 65% of an off-road cycle path along David Bowie Way. The project represents a clear opportunity for extension which could facilitate the creation of an off-road recreational pathway, connecting the village from the new path along the mountain road. And such a pathway would offer safe connectivity for Peregian Breeze Reservance and especially kids to Peregian Beach and its facilities. Furthermore, utilising this route as part of the textile pathway would help avoid negative impacts on the character, amenity and safety of the largely tranquil residential cities. Fully tranquil.

46:39 Council's fragmented approach to urban planning has resulted in uncertainty regarding the feasibility of implementing a consistent and safe active street design across all targeted streets. The challenges stem from physical characteristics of the streets, including narrow widths, undulating sections, intersections, bends, blind spots, existing utilities, infrastructure and residences on both sides. Many properties also feature steeply sloping verges, extremely steep driveways, and multi-unit dwellings that share a single exit or entry point. These factors collectively complicate the implementation of a uniform and safe active street design. So the question here is, can Council explain in detail why it has chosen to implement a challenging path through four interconnecting residential streets with hills, intersections, bends and blind spots, rather than a simpler, viable, safer and less disruptive alternative route along the road reserve?

48:15 Mayor Wilkie: Thank you for the question.

48:21 Director Walsh: Council did look closely at the David Lowe Corridor during the cycling and walking strategy. This study sought to plan-safe the more connected walking and cycling routes between Tewantin and Cooroy Beach and was supported by a project reference group made up of representatives from local residence associations, community and sporting groups, bike shops and tourism providers. Whilst it may appear simple on a map, the David Lowe Way was not evaluated as a safe or feasible location for walking and cycling route. The corridor carries high-speed traffic, has complex intersections and includes narrow, uneven and environmentally sensitive areas in the Western Road Reserves. Building a continuous, accessible pathway there would require major earthworks, vegetation removal and significant structural warnings, with poorer safety outcomes for users. In contrast, the Laura Keith Drive Route scored the highest across all assessment criteria. Residential streets offer a quieter, low-stress environment that is safer and more comfortable for people of all ages, especially children, seniors and less-confident riders. Active Street Treatment is specifically designed to manage bends, hills and intersections by slowing traffic, improving visibility and creating a calmer neighbourhood feel. Importantly, this route also delivers the best long-term connectivity, linking homes, parks, schools, the coastal pathway network and the village.

49:43 It also enables Council to address existing issues along Laura Keith Drive such as drainage, curb upgrades and other safety improvements.

49:53 Mayor Wilkie: Mr Wright, would you like to ask your second question, please?

49:57 Pat Spicer: No. Thank you.

50:25 Speaker 10: Thank you.

50:54 Thank you.

51:10 Thank you.

51:40 Thank you.

51:53 Thank you.

52:07 Improvement activities that Council should be undertaking to expand the practice. Furthermore, questions have been raised regarding the prioritisation of road surface and quality of drive, particularly in light of the poor condition of other roads throughout Noosa, including down the road just here. This has led to further doubts about the allocation of resources and the decision-making process behind the selection of water and road drive for resurfacing in the town of Benedict. The question here is, can Council please explain how the implementation of a recreational cycle pathway through residential streets, focusing specifically on active street, features such as the priority cycle zone, how will that provide any benefit to occupants of the streets?

53:09 Mayor Wilkie: Thank you for the question.

53:17 Director Walsh: Firstly, the existing street is already used by recreational cyclists. The active street is designed first and foremost to improve safety and livability for the people who use the streets every day. While it will support recreational walking and cycling for the broader community, the locals also benefit. A 30km-hour environment with traffic calming will create quieter, calmer and more predictable street, making it safer to exit driveways, walk to the beach or visit the park. The project also benefits due to the spitting and upgrades, new kerning, improved drainage, footpath resurfacing and the replacement of the lower peak, keep that bridge, all funded entirely by the state and federal grants. Features such as priority cycling zones help organise how cars and bicycles interact, reducing unpredictable movements and improving safety for both riders and riders. Formalised parking and clearer sidelines also make day-to-day access easier and safer for residents. Beyond safety, the active street brings broader amenity benefits, more greenery, better pedestrian access and fewer short car trips, which means lower noise, cleaner air and more pleasant neighborhood feel. In short, while the group will be enjoyed by many, the people living along these streets will experience the greatest improvements in safety, infrastructure and overall street amenity.

54:37 Mayor Wilkie: Thank you, Mr Warren.