Mary Perry

3:57 Mayor Wilkie: The next is two questions from Ms Mary Perry, who also couldn't be here today, so our CEO will read Ms Perry's questions, which will both be answered by Shaun Walsh, Director of Infrastructure Services. Okay.

4:10 Speaker 3: Question one from Mary Perry. Can Council please explain the rationale for unexpectedly prioritising the pre-season beach active street projects, which weren't identified as named initiatives in the Council's five- or ten-year walking or cycling plans over other initiatives throughout Noosa that were previously assessed as higher priorities? That's question one. Shaun.

4:32 Director Walsh: Thank you, Ms Perry, for the question. The route along Larrakeet Drive is identified as a principal recreation route under Noosa Council's Cycling and Walking Strategy. Whilst it's acknowledged that the improvements to the identified route were not noted in the five- to ten-year implementation plan, it directly delivers the core priorities in these strategies, safer routes, better coastal connectivity and improved access to schools, parks and public transport. Importantly, this project was eligible for 100 per cent state and federal funding due to its connection to the adjacent Sunshine Coast coastal pathway and providing demonstrated long-term regional collaboration benefits, unlike many previously identified priorities with a solely Noosa focus. This meant Council could deliver a major network upgrade at no cost to ratepayers, including improvements to footpaths and drainage, while still progressing other initiatives as funding and opportunities arise. In short, the project matches current strategic priorities, responds to strong community feedback, closes a critical network gap and was fully fundable now, making it a responsible and timely choice for delivery.

5:37 Speaker 3: Thank you, Ms Walsh. Mr Sengstock. Okay, question number two from Mary Perry. How does Council plan to implement a new three-metre-wide shared off-road pathway through the Parisian Beach village, PID 358, and what impact will it have on the foreshore reserve amenities and parking?

6:00 Director Walsh: It is agreed that the Noosa Council cycling and walking strategy project prioritisation plan identifies a three-metre shared pathway on the eastern side of the Parisian Beach village.

6:14 Council's approach to any new shared pathway, including the proposed three-metre wide shared pathway, is guided by the principles of safety, accessibility and environmental care. At this stage, the project is in early planning and detailed design will consider, first dot point, the role of Parisian Beach village as a destination and node, rather than primarily a thoroughfare, and will require a specific design language and approach. Dot point two. Avoidance of sensitive dune and vegetation areas where possible, and incorporating measures to maintain environmental values. Dot point three. Ensuring shared pathways complement existing facilities and improve access for people walking and cycling without reducing amenity. Dot point four. Assessing current parking arrangements and identifying options to prevent loss of spaces, such as formalising or reconfiguring parking where needed. The design will be subject to community consultation.

7:06 Mayor Wilkie: Thank you, Mr Walsh.