Division 11 Community Update from Cr Russell Green issued 20th May 2011
Hi All
In an effort to keep you informed with the latest information, I have sent you this latest update on current Division 11 Projects. I encourage you to circulate this update amongst your friends and any community groups you may be part of.
PARK ROAD NOOSA HEADS
Stage 1 of the Boardwalk that leads from Hastings Street to the Noosa National Park is now complete. These works required the removal of 14 plants, mainly Eucalypt species. The vegetation management plan prepared by the Consultants called for the reinstatement of 42 plants. Discussions between Noosa & District Landcare Group [NDLG] and Council officers resulted in the agreement that 100 native species would be planted in the area affected. Species to be planted include Eucalypts [Koala food trees] and other endemic species. It was further agreed that the level of weed infestation is quite severe in this area, and that weed removal should be conducted prior to planting. The list of weed species present is extensive with Asparagus aethiopicus cv. Sprengeri [Basket asparagus] being dominant. To address this problem Council has agreed to contract NDLG to undertake weed removal and planting, followed by maintenance over a one year period. There is considerable natural regeneration occurring, which will be enhanced by weed removal. This work commenced on Friday 13 May 2011.
The next stage of the Park Road boardwalk replacement is planned to start in July. Stage 2 will extend from the First Point to Little Cove. The works will include a raised pedestrian crossing at Little Cove and a raised road hump on the beach side of First Point to help control traffic speeds. Tenders were invited on 16 April and Council is hoping to award a contract by 3 June. The contract allows for a target 8 week construction period starting on 18 July. If achievable, this will ensure the works are finished before the September/ October school holidays.
This stage does not involve stabilisation of the roadway so requirements for noisy piling installation will be much less than for Stage 1. However, closure of one lane of traffic will still be required during the construction period. Traffic controllers will be on site from 8.00am to 6.00pm daily to control traffic and outside these hours traffic lights will be operated as for Stage 1.
VERNON ST SUNRISE BEACH
Rehabilitation Works are progressing well at Vernon St Sunrise Beach after the flood damage earlier in the year. The pipes have been laid and manholes completed and backfilled and new kerbing run in which has allowed the start on the roadworks this week. The Embankment should be complete up to underside of road pavement by the time you are reading this. Completion is anticipated during the next two weeks. The recent fine weather has been a help!
NOOSA LIONS PARK
After the community consultation held some months ago, the community engagement report has been compiled along with a Natural Area Rehabilitation Plan for the bushland area along Noosa Drive and we are currently awaiting an Arboreal Tree Survey of the parkland area. Council staff and consultants will use this information for the sketch design work and design options will be presented to stakeholders for comment as soon as they are available.
NOOSA RIVER SPIT EROSION PROTECTION
Tenders for stage 1 construction works have been called. In order to avoid interfering with the important fish movement period in the estuary between May and July, construction works involving use of dredging plant will not be permitted until August 2011. Dead vegetation removed from the foreshore will be used for habitat creation on Noosa Spit or removed for mulching. The project includes pumping sand to re-establish a sandy foreshore.
NOOSA BEACH SAND RECYCLING PUMP STATION
This project is on programme for completion towards the end of June 2011. The old pumping equipment will be removed over coming weeks and a programme to re-establish vegetation on the frontal dune, and around the perimeter of the new pump station, will be commenced. Upon commissioning, public access will be available to the intake jetty in the Noosa River. Appropriate warning signs will be in place.
THE SOUND PARK NOOSAVILLE
Over the last few months the Landscape & Urban Design Unit have been concentrating on construction outcome projects. Following on from the consultation, the finalisation of the concept plan and land management plan for the park is still ongoing. This will then be sent to State Government for approval. Once the concept plan is finalised and approved, the Project team will be back in contact with the community members who requested feedback from the initial consultation.
SUNSHINE BEACH PLACEMAKING
Stage 1 Works are planned to commence in June/July and funding has been secured for the project. Council staff and myself met with available traders last week on site to discuss the current concept plans and Council will be appointing a Community Contact Officer and details for this person will be available soon. Further information on the works will be provided in the coming weeks.
Artist impressions of the proposed improvements to the area are available on the website: http://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/sitePage.cfm?code=sunshine-beach-masterplan
NOOSA JUNCTION PLACEMAKING
Noosa Junction’s central artery, Arcadia Street, is about to be revitalised in line with the Noosa Junction Masterplan. Council has recently adopted an increased capital works budget for the Streetscape Program adding $5M per year on to approx $2.5M for the next five years ($7.5M annually), thus much greater funding has been secured for Noosa Junction.
2011/12 - $0.7M
2012/13 - $1.8M
2013/14 - $0.5M
This creates an opportunity to bring more elements of the masterplan in Arcadia Street into the construction phase sooner, with some of the items changed to become the longer term endorsed masterplan outcomes (minimising waste and providing better governance). The concept plan has been revised to consider these changes.
Program:
May/June 2011- Finalise Detailed Documentation for Arcadia St Stage 1 / Call construction tenders
End July 2011 - Start construction for Arcadia Street Stage 1
Budget:
2011/12 - $700,000 - Arcadia Street Stage 1 refer preliminary Concept Plan.
The Concept Plan and artists impressions can be found on the website: http://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/sitePage.cfm?code=noosa-junction
NOOSA JUNCTION STATION (TRANSIT CENTRE)
Below and attached is the latest update from Translink re: the Noosa Junction Station. If you would like to receive updates direct from Translink please email: tsup@mtr.qld.gov.au or Ph: 1800 192 112
<<Noosa Junction station concept plan.jpg>>
As you would be aware, work on the Noosa Junction station is now confined within the station area following the opening of the shared zone in mid-April. The opening of the shared zone was a critical milestone for the project, providing a key feature for the Noosa Junction precinct. Our neighbouring traders have been graciously patient and accommodating throughout construction, particularly while we carried out works in the shared zone, and we thank them for their ongoing support and cooperation.
Changes to pedestrian access at Cooyar Street
For safety reasons, pedestrian access on the southern side of Cooyar Street changed following the Easter holiday period. The underpass at Cooyar Street is temporarily closed with pedestrians directed safely around construction to the crossing near Lanyana Way. Pedestrian access from the northern side of Sunshine Beach Road is maintained as usual. A number of car parks are temporarily unavailable to safely allow for construction in this area. These works are expected to continue for several weeks.
Where to from here?
Work is progressing well on site, with the new station on track to be completed in mid-2011.
As works draw to a close over the next few months, and with the bulk of works now clear of our neighbouring traders, our updates will be provided on a monthly basis from now on. If you would like more information about the project you can contact us on 1800 192 112 or via email at noosatransit@tmr.qld.gov.au, and we can update you on the project at anytime.
Would you like to know more?
If you would like to know more about the project, you can reach a member of the project team on free call 1800 192 112. We can also provide a project briefing at a time and place that suits you. Alternatively, our email updates will continue on a monthly basis until the completion of the project - we will continue to provide as much relevant information as possible within these updates.
You can expect the next update in mid-June. In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like further clarification about the project, please don't hesitate to us.
CONTACTING COUNCIL
The contact council page on Council's website has recently been updated - it now includes tutorials on how to use the new "webchat" and "webcallback". Have a look - its under "view the tutorial". http://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/sitepage.cfm?code=contact-council
Just a reminder, there are various ways to contact council:
Online (reporting potholes, tree pruning, safety issue on council land etc.)
Telephone during business hours
(or, to save waiting in a queue–request a call-back–a customer service officer will call you)
Fax
Non council emergencies
After hours council emergencies
Write to council – by mail or email
Visit your local customer service centre 8.30 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)
Contact the mayor , your local councillor, or the CEO
Assistance for special needs customers
Have your say – provide feedback on regional and local issues through council's community engagement program
Enjoy your weekend.
Cr Russell Green
Statutory & Regional Planning Portfolio
Sunshine Coast Regional Council
Division 11
0438 210 182
