Lions Park at Noosa Heads will remain public open space this Christmas and not be available for overflow car parking.
This will make the parkland available for families and beach goers to have more space to relax and enjoy the area during a visit to Noosa Heads.
Council will increase its focus on park-and-ride, free public transport and traffic management over the summer holiday period to help reduce congestion in Noosa Heads.
The free Loop Bus (Route 065) will again operate between the Noosa AFL grounds and Noosa Heads from 9 December 2026 to 26 January 2027.
"Visitors are encouraged to make use of the free loop bus, or park at Noosa Junction bus station, and the J as alternatives to driving into Hastings Street during the peak periods, "Acting Infrastructure Services director Bill Haddrill said.
More than 74,000 passenger trips were recorded on the Loop service last summer.
Mr Haddrill said Council wanted to make it easier for people to choose alternatives to driving into Noosa Heads.
"We'll have a stronger focus on traffic management, improving the free bus service and providing clear, up-to-date travel information," Mr Haddrill said.
"These initiatives aim to manage congestion, improve pedestrian safety and help ensure everyone can access the Main Beach precinct as easily as possible during the busiest time of year."
The Main Beach drop-off zone will operate after helping improve traffic flow and pedestrian and emergency vehicle access last summer. Disability parking permit spaces and emergency vehicle access will remain available throughout the holiday period.
"Using this carpark as a drop-off area, with marshalls on hand to assist, helps keep traffic flowing through the Hastings Street precinct roundabouts and helps reduce the long queues," Mr Haddrill said.
Council is in discussions with Tewantin Noosa Lions Club to explore options of volunteers helping to assist at the drop-off zone and potentially the Park and Ride location to help the areas operate smoothly during peak periods.
If Council wishes to use Lions Park for overflow car parking in the future, the State Government has recently confirmed that Council has an obligation to first prepare a Land Management Plan (LMP) for Lions Park to determine whether temporarily using the reserve for overflow car parking is appropriate.
Director of Regulation and Planning Richard MacGillivray said preparing an LMP, including community consultation, could not be completed before Christmas.
"Council staff will prepare a report later this year for Council's consideration advising on the cost and timing to develop a Land Management Plan for Lions Park" Mr MacGillivray said.
