Noosa Council remains firm on its decision regarding vehicle access to popular Noosa North Shore.
It comes after a recommendation to award a new operator for the vehicle ferry between Tewantin and Noosa North Shore was ratified at last Thursday’s Ordinary meeting.
The outcome puts to rest any speculation that a traffic bridge would be built connecting the two riverside points for a least two decades.
Councillors have unanimously backed to award a 20-year contract to preferred tenderer, Divers Den Investments Pty Ltd (Entrada Travel Group), starting in July 2024.
Cashless payment options and larger vessels are among changes in store for the ferry, which has still been running as a cash-only service by its current operator.
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Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said New Zealand-based Entrada had significant business interests in Queensland and had submitted the best tender based on the assessment criteria.
“The company’s tender provides for the introduction of cashless payment options – which our community has been calling for – plus a significant uptick in the number of vehicles to be transported at any one time,” she said.
“The company will build two new ferries, one with a capacity of 27 vehicles and another that can carry 12 vehicles, almost doubling the capacity of the current service.
“The 27-vehicle ferry alone will eliminate most of the current vehicle queuing issues.”
Ms Stewart said the company has also proposed to work with Greenfleet – a partner in Noosa Council’s Yurol Forest Conservation Project – to offset carbon emissions from the ferries.
Council would also work with the ferry operator to explore the use of emerging propulsion technologies.
It would also look at road improvements at the Moorindil Street approach to the ferry to help mitigate traffic queuing.
In response to a recent article about the recommendation, Sunshine Coast News readers questioned if Council would consider building a permanent bridge across the Noosa River.
Noosa Waters resident Greg Cockings said a 1.2km bridge, two lane bridge elevated to allow for medium boating traffic could be a solution to future-proof the crossing.
“Why do we need a foreign operator to continue the same old ferry service when we can opt for a sustainable option without the ongoing associated costs on the users and residents,” Mr Cockings said.
“We now live a 21st Century lifestyle and having the luxury of being able to drive your modern vehicle or bicycle over a concrete bridge when you like, does have some merit.”
Noosa Council has since told SCN that it was opposed to the idea of a bridge and had no plan to build or consider building one in the future.
CEO Scott Waters said a bridge would go against maintaining the natural aspects of Noosa North Shore.
“Since the 1980s Noosa Council has always opposed construction of a bridge to Noosa North Shore,” Mr Waters said.
“Council’s planning for the North Shore in all aspects has been to maintain and enhance the natural wilderness experience of the area.”
The existing operator will continue to run the ferry service until the new contract begins in July 2024.
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