Your Noosa

ROCKETSHIP LANDS IN COOROY

The centrepiece of the Hinterland Playground in Cooroy has arrived. The rocketship, which is almost seven metres tall and weighs around two tonnes was craned into position following its short journey from Studio Steel in Cooroy. Project Manager Paul Brennan said the stainless steel rocketship has been constructed using an old cooling tower that used to be part of the original mill works. “The stainless steel cooling tower along with old fire pits, large steel rings and recycled bridge timbers have been recycled and repurposed as play equipment for this unique playground,” Paul said. “It’s been an important aspect to the creation of this space to maintain a connection to the history of the site and the rocketship is a great example of this.” Construction will be completed in coming weeks and this unique nature-based, all-abilities playground is scheduled to open to the public in March 2022. The project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Local Government Grants and Subsidies program in association with Noosa Council.

THRILLS AND FUN FOR ALL

The new nature-based playground in Cooroy provides fun for kids of all ages and abilities, just like thrillseeker Daisy Doherty. The energetic seven-year-old, who is partly mobile and uses a wheelchair to get around, is a big fan, with the bucket swing and the flying-fox with a harness being two of her highlights. The quiet spaces such as the tunnels and the hidey holes are also a favourite among kids who can experience sensory overload. On the day the playground officially opened, Daisy and her family were at the gates ready to play. Dipping her toes in the water-play area with ramp access is also a hit every time Daisy visits, according to Mum, Libby Doherty. “It really is a beautiful, well-planned and calming playground,” says Libby. “The green grass area is great for picnics, and relaxation and the waterplay area is so fun! The soft surfaces also make a difference for Daisy to be able to enjoy moving around on the ground. The purpose-built accessible toilets and plenty of parking are also appreciated. We live in Noosa and I’m happy to drive out to use the playground anytime.”

The rocketship is the centrepiece of the new Cooroy playground and is almost seven metres tall and weighs around two tonnes

Hinterland Playground official opening – accessible to all

HINTERLAND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM KIN KIN RECREATIONAL HALL WORK UNDERWAY

Work has restarted on the Wahpunga Lane Bridge replacement project following the clean-up after the recent floods inundated the work site. Piling work, which protects the road and bridge from long term erosion as well as providing the supporting foundation for the bridge is well under way. Precast concrete components including concrete deck units and kerbs are ready to go and steel fabrication of the barrier is under way. Once completed, this bridge will be wider with guardrails along the edge of the bridge to improve safety. The replacement will improve current alignment between the bridge and road approaches and meet all current bridge standards. Traffic will continue to be detoured via Gympie Kin Kin Road and Sister Tree Creek Road until project completion, which is scheduled to be in June 2022, weather permitting. Once the Wahpunga Lane Bridge is completed, work

Wahpunga Lane Bridge replacement has restarted and Cooroy Belli Creek Road Bridge due to kick off shortly. Work to clean and disinfect the Kin Kin Recreational Hall will commence to replace in preparation for remediation the Cooroy Belli Creek Road building work has been Bridge. completed. Ark Construction Group has

The cleaning and disinfecting been awarded a $1.3 million work was required due to long contract as part of the ongoing term damage by Microbat Hinterland Bridge Replacement

Guano which can be dangerous Program jointly funded by to humans. The good news is Council and the Federal that the Guano is all gone, and Governments Bridges Renewal Program.

the damage was not as bad as expected, so the external weatherboard cladding and major structural elements of the building can be retained, keeping the heritage look and feel of the hall. According to Kin Kin Community President, Jann Bonsall, the community is very much looking forward to the works being competed. “Once the work is finished, we hope to welcome many different community groups back to the facility from babies and toddlers play groups to craft, reading and social clubs,” Ms Bonsall said. Work will now start to refit the existing community kitchen,

Local community looking forward to works being completed in coming months restore the internal VJ cladding and flooring within the building’s upper level as well as electrical and lighting work. This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s South East Queensland Community Stimulus Package in association with Noosa Council.

GIVE A SHEET FOR THE PLANET BRIDGE UPGRADES IN FULL SWING

In a Queensland first, Noosa residents will have the opportunity to recycle their sheets, towels, pillowcases and other textiles next month. The “Give a Sheet” for the planet initiative is a joint partnership between clean technology company BlockTexx, St Vincent de Paul and Noosa Council. On June 5 as part of World Environment Day, a Linen and Clothing Recycling Day will be held at the Bicentennial Park carpark in Sunshine Beach, where linen and old clothes can be dropped off. BlockTexx co-founder Adrian Jones said he was proud to work with the council to provide a new and innovative solution for tackling Noosa’s textile waste. He told us, “Donated linen will be converted into valuable, high-grade materials that can be used by Australian manufacturers to create new products such as hydromulch, shopping baskets and geosynthetic fabrics.” Emma Menzies, Waste Education and Sustainability Office explained, “Every year in Australia, one million tonnes of textile waste end up in landfill. “This waste does not break down. Australia is the second highest consumer of textiles per person in the world, after the US.” The Linen and Clothing Collection Day will operate from 8am to 3pm Sunday 5 June at the Bicentennial Hall carpark, Bicentennial Drive Sunshine Beach. The first one hundred people to drop off their linen at the Noosa event will be given a FREE tree, courtesy of Noosa Landcare. Please pack linen and clothing into separate bags. Linen includes sheets, towels, duvet covers, pillowcases and tea towels. We cannot accept blankets, doonas or pillows. All items must be clean and dry, with clothing donations required to be in good quality and not stained or ripped.

Work to replace the existing Wahpunga Lane Bridge in Kin Kin is underway and, weather and construction conditions permitting, will be completed Nominations are open for the in approximately four months. 2022 Sunshine Coast Business The bridge is a key connector between Sister Tree Creek Road and Gympie-Kin Kin Road. The single-lane bridge provides access to Kin Kin and users of the Noosa Trail Awards. Be part of celebrating the Hinterland’s thriving business community. Nominate your favourite business or enter your own. Network. Nominations close August 29. To know more visit The timber bridge was sunshinecoastbusinessawards. identified as a high priority com.au for replacement based on a condition assessment. Reusable timber parts of the existing timber bridge will be salvaged and used in other council projects. According to Project Manager, Dennis Luinstra, the current single-lane timber bridge will be demolished and a wider concrete single-lane bridge built in the same location. “The new bridge will have a design life of 100 years, comply with all current bridge standards and will require less maintenance than the existing bridge,” Dennis said. “The construction of the new bridge will use a Modular Bridge System which means that most components can be pre-fabricated, delivering a quicker build time and reducing workplace health and safety risks associated with traditional bridge building methods,” he said. This renewal follows the recent complete replacement of Tablelands Bridge B in Cooran which provides vital access to residents, accommodation, users of the Noosa Trail Network, and visitors to the lookout. These bridges are part of a comprehensive bridge refurbishment program jointly funded by the Australian Government and council. Other bridge work being delivered under this program includes the Cooroy Belli Creek Road Bridge, Lawnville Road Bridge, Garth Prowd Bridge and Lake Doonella Bridge. The Ageing Well Noosa program for seniors is offering fun-filled and interactive Zoom workout sessions. The self-paced classes are designed to improve different areas of health and wellbeing and still stay connected while at home. FREE classes are available until 1st April 2022 - $5 cost thereafter. Please contact Michaela to register with the ‘Ageing Well Noosa’ Program and to participate in Zoom Classes - 0449 047 746. To find out what new activities or workshops are coming, subscribe to the Ageing Well Noosa e-newsletter on council’s website.

Wahpunga Lane Bridge under construction: Photo courtesy of Lachlan Davis

Mark Borgert and Emma Menzies from Council’s waste team demonstrate how to pack linens for the event.

REGISTER YOUR PET POOCH FOR FREE IN MAY COMMUNITY GRANTS APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN

Act now to take advantage of Dog Rego Amnesty Month. Funding supports environment, sporting, arts and cultural projects

During the month of May, dog owners can register their dog for free. There are currently over 10,522 dogs registered in the Noosa Shire. It is a State Government requirement that all dogs over the age of three months must be registered with their local council. The registration is renewed annually. Local Laws manager Paul Kirkley encourages responsible pet ownership. “This is a great opportunity for people to get into Council and get their dogs registered. Registering your pet helps us identify lost dogs and reunite them quickly with their owners.” He explained, “It also gives us important information to ensure services such as waste bags, litter bins and off-leash areas are provided where they are needed. The fees are also used to inform and educate the community about dogs.”

Applications for the latest round of council grants are now open, in the categories of Community, Environment and Climate Change, and Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF). Grants will be awarded to eligible not-for-profit organisations, local individuals, businesses and environment organisations, providing the opportunity to improve facilities, purchase equipment, host several new events and programs, and to achieve the aim of net-zero emissions by 2026. The Climate Change Response grants will also consider applications from community You can register you dog online groups to install sustainable at noosa.qld.gov.au or visit our infrastructure such as solar team at the Customer Service Centre in Tewantin.

panels or energy-efficient lighting etc. In 2021, not-for-profit group Eco Trio, namely artists Rosie Lloyd-Giblett, Helena Jackson Lloyd and Yanni Van Zijl, secured a RADF grant to undertake the project: A River’s Tale. The trio worked with environmental groups to provide a visual documentary raising awareness about the importance of the Noosa River ecosystem. “We were delighted to receive the support from RADF. These grants improve the lives of our communities,” said Ms Van Zijl. Visit council’s website for more information and help, including tips on grant writing and eligibility www.noosa.qld. gov.au/community/grants/ council-grants Applications close at 12 noon on 30 March 2022.

Fred and Bruce Not-for-profit group Eco Trio, including Rosie Lloyd-Giblett, Helena Jackson Lloyd and Yanni Van Zijl

IN BRIEF IN BRIEF

Celebrate Business Workouts for seniors Excellence Green Business Breakfast Small business owners and managers are invited to a free Biz to Zero breakfast forum on Thursday 2 June at The J. Find out how your business can benefit from reducing emissions, investing in offsets Free weekend buses and promoting as a carbon Free weekend buses are now neutral business. a reality in Noosa as council Hear directly from businesses kicks off a 12-month trial that who have benefited from sees free weekend travel. going green, and practical steps on how it was achieved. To register for this event, search ‘Biz to Zero’ on EventBrite. All existing Translink services that operate within Noosa are now free every weekend. Building on the success of the free holiday buses at Christmas and Easter, the Your Budget, Your aim is to change the longFuture term behaviour of travellers, The 2022-23 Draft Budget reflects community and making it second nature to get on a bus to get around. Council’s aspirations to conThe trial includes services 626, tinue to make Noosa a great 627, 628, 629 and 632. The place, to live, work and visit. As we emerge from the impacts of COVID-19, the success of the trial will depend on the uptake and patronage of weekend services. draft budget has a focus on Find out more at council’s rebuilding and recovering website. from the 2022 February floods and dealing with the Stay connected rising costs for good and Our fortnightly eNews is yet services. another way to stay in touch From May 23, Council will with what’s happening. seek community feedback on the proposed budget. What Get Your Noosa eNews delivshould we prioritise, what is ered directly to your inbox important to you? every second Friday. SubAll the information will be posted to the Your Say Noosa website, so we encourage you scribe today at noosa.qld.gov. au or check council’s Facebook page for the latest issue. to take a look and have a say.