Noosa Junction moves one step closer to a brighter future

Noosa Junction moved one step closer toward a brighter economic, social and environmental future with Sunshine Coast Council’s endorsement of the precinct’s ‘place making master plan’ at today’s Ordinary Meeting.

The master plan, which has been the subject of community and stakeholder consultation, explores how the Junction might look and operate in the future in an effort to "reveal the potential of its unique local qualities and define it as a destination."

Community spaces, a sense of place, revegetation, way-finding, walking and cycling, development density and built form, circulation, access, parking, safety, public art and sustainability are all outlined as part of the master plan. Pinaroo Park is also part of the precinct.

Council’s endorsement means that detailed design drawings can now be progressed along with opportunities for further community consultation on key elements of the plan.

Division 11 Councillor Russell Green said that plans for Noosa Junction’s revitalisation had been on council’s agenda since 2007 and the news would provide long-awaited certainty for business owners, residents and visitors.

"Noosa Junction plays a vital economic role in the northern region and is a significant community hub," Cr Green said.

"In addition to the local and visitor patronage, more than 3,000 families currently work in the Noosa Junction precinct.

"With the imminent opening of the Noosa Transit Centre, this is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to look at Noosa Junction’s future as a whole and plan for a better future for the area."

Noosa Junction Traders Association President Lorraine Marshall said that she was looking forward to working with local business owners, council and the community as the project was rolled out.

"We are delighted that Council has given this project the go ahead and work will now begin on the design," Ms Marshall said.

"We’ve been looking forward to this for a long time but it is vital that we get it right and the local community has a say in the outcome.

"We’re certainly excited by the prospect of a rejuvenated village centre in the heart of Noosa."

Today’s decision will now permit the Noosa Junction precinct to be considered as part of council’s five year capital works program and allow the chance to explore future funding and partnership opportunities for the area. Design of the renewed precinct will also feed into community consultation activities for the regional planning scheme.