TENSIONS ran high at the local forum held to address long-term parking and congestion around the Peregian Beach, Peregian Breeze, and Peregian Springs areas. Over 75 people attended the forum recently.
The forum heard from Sandy Bolton, Noosa MP, Sunshine Coast Cr Maria Suarez, Noosa Cr Brian Stockwell, Sgt Joel Bryant from Coolum Police Station and David Upperdine from TMR.
Cr Suarez addressed the issues around parking at the shopping centre in Peregian Springs: “Council cannot control this concern as the development is privately owned”.
Another area of concern was traffic around the local public school, where enrolments have far exceeded original expectations and thus the impact on local traffic. Cr Suarez said, “Sunshine Coast Council are looking at ways to increase the use of buses to carry children to and from the school.”
Cr Stockwell said, “Noosa Council has plans to address long-term changes that will move people and goods more efficiently.”
Cr Stockwell’s comments at the forum were supported with more detailed information from Aiden Flannery, Planning and Design Co-ordinator – Infrastructure Services and stated that Noosa Council are looking at strategies to reduce reliance on cars and increase the attractiveness of bikes as a means of local transport. A feasibility study is also being undertaken into free timed parking for residents, but paid timed parking for non-residents.
Noosa Council are also investigating the increased use of public transport. Cr Stockwell said, “No thought has yet been given to how ‘The Wave’ (the proposed rail and bus link connecting Brisbane to Maroochydore) will connect with areas north of Sunshine Coast Airport. Noosa Council are, however, proposing a transport hub at Noosa Civic, which may create options for joining The Wave through to Noosa.”
Graham Reid, PF&F President, also spoke. ”We are very pleased with the numbers attending. As evident from comments made at the event, however, some of the locals think that their concerns are not being heard by the Councils, and they want to see some action rather than just talk.”
Peregian Family and Friends will continue to follow up from this forum on behalf of attendees and our members.