Walking Network Planning

Walking park

Noosa Council is working in partnership with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to deliver Walking Network Plans for key towns and activity centres across the Shire.

These plans are part of Council’s ongoing commitment to create connected, healthy and sustainable communities — where walking, wheeling and using mobility devices are safe, convenient, and enjoyable for everyone.

The Walking Network Plans also play a vital role in supporting future funding and grant applications, ensuring Council can demonstrate a clear evidence-base and community-endorsed priorities when seeking investment for new footpaths, crossings and accessibility improvements.

What is a Walking Network Plan?

A Walking Network Plan is a structured approach developed by TMR to identify and prioritise walking improvements within local communities.

Each plan:

  • Maps primary and secondary walking routes that connect homes to schools, shops, public transport, parks, and community facilities.
  • Highlights infrastructure gaps and accessibility challenges, such as missing footpaths, difficult crossings, or limited shade.
  • Provides an evidence-based action plan to guide future investment, design priorities and external funding submissions.

This process supports both the Queensland Walking Strategy 2019–2029 and Council’s own Transport Strategy 2017–2027 and Walking and Cycling Strategy 2020-2040, which together promote active transport as a key part of a connected and sustainable transport network.

Current Project

Pomona Walking Network Plan Council is now developing a Walking Network Plan for Pomona, in partnership with TMR and with input from local residents and community groups.

The plan aims to:

  • Strengthen links between the Pomona train station, town centre, schools and surrounding neighbourhoods.
  • Identify missing connections, safety concerns and opportunities to enhance accessibility.
  • Prioritise future walking and active-travel infrastructure projects.

Community engagement will play a central role. Over the coming months, Council will invite residents, businesses and school students to share their experiences and ideas through surveys, drop-in sessions and pop-up events.

You can have your say on walking in Pomona by completing the survey by 16 November 2025.

Or, contact the team at transport@noosa.qld.gov.au.

Completed Walking Network Plans

Cooroy Walking Network Plan

The Cooroy Walking Network Plan was one of Council’s first local studies under the TMR framework.

Developed in collaboration with the Cooroy community, the plan identifies key connections between residential areas, the town centre, Cooroy State School, Cooroy Library, the railway station, and local parks.

The project highlighted opportunities for:

  • Safer crossings along key routes to the school precinct.
  • Improved access between Myall Street, Maple Street and Emerald Street.
  • Filling missing footpath links and providing additional shade and wayfinding.

View the Cooroy Walking Network Map(PDF, 6MB)

 

 

Noosaville - Goodchap Street Walking Network Plan

The Goodchap Street Walking Network Plan focuses on improving walkability in one of Noosaville’s busiest mixed-use areas, connecting residents to the medical precinct, retail centres, and community facilities.

Key outcomes include:

  • Identification of high-priority walking routes between Goodchap Street, Eumundi Road and Gibson Road.
  • Accessibility and safety audits around health facilities and bus stops.

Opportunities for enhanced pedestrian crossings and shaded pathways.

View the Noosaville–Goodchap Walking Network Map(PDF, 8MB)

 

 

What's Next 

The success of the Cooroy and Noosaville projects demonstrates how community collaboration can shape safer, more connected neighbourhoods.

Council will continue working with TMR and the community to expand walking network planning to other towns and local centres across the Noosa Shire.

Future areas will be selected based on community needs, connectivity priorities and funding opportunities.

The outcomes of these plans will guide the implementation of Council’s Transport Strategy and Walking and Cycling Strategy, while also strengthening future funding bids under State and Federal active-transport programs.

Together, we are building a walking network that reflects our shared vision:

“A healthier, more accessible, and more sustainable Noosa — where walking truly becomes the easiest choice every day”.

 

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