Noosa Council is set to make key adjustments to its Go Noosa Holidays program following the state government’s decision to make 50-cent public transport fares permanent.
Director of Infrastructure Services, Shaun Walsh, said the changes, endorsed at the 20 January General Committee Meeting, will redirect funding from the council-subsidised free holiday bus services to new transport initiatives better aligned with community needs and priorities.
“Council is extremely appreciative of the Queensland Government’s continued commitment to affordable public transport, which aligns with our Go Noosa Transport program that aims to deliver more efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly transport methods within our shire,” Shaun said.
The 50-cent fare policy has already boosted public transport usage in Noosa, with weekday patronage increasing by 22 per cent and weekend patronage by 9 per cent.
“With 50-cent fares now locked in permanently by the state government, council has an opportunity to redirect its previous investment in free weekend bus services to other sustainable transport initiatives that can meet the emerging needs and priorities of residents in the Noosa Shire,” he said.
The Go Noosa program, funded through the council’s Sustainable Transport Levy, has faced rising delivery costs since its inception in 2018, resulting in a deficit.
Proposed new initiatives include:
- Improved park-and-ride services
- Supplementary local bus services
- Enhanced pedestrian and cyclist pathways
- Integration of e-transport options
Council has also extended a three-month trial of kerbside parking and loading arrangements in Hastings Street, which aims to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. Local businesses have responded positively to the trial.
Additionally, a review of the Flexilink and Council Cabs services is underway to assess their usage and cost-effectiveness, ensuring future transport options remain practical and sustainable.