Bridge traffic diversions 'final straw', Noosa businesses say

Noosa residents and businesses are reeling from a council decision to reroute thousands of daily drivers for a six-month bridge repair project. The Doonella Lake Bridge, a vital artery for 20,000 vehicles daily between Tewantin and Noosaville, will operate as a one-way route, forcing traffic onto already congested roads.

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If this is the next six months … I can't see how this can work.

Local motorists, like Tewantin resident Sam Lloyd, describe commutes ballooning from five minutes to over 40. She expressed disbelief at the council's suggestion of using public transport or bicycles for tradespeople with tools. "If this is the next six months … I can't see how this can work," she said, calling the situation "bonkers."

Businesses fear the diversions will be catastrophic. Warren Smith, general manager of Noosa Marina, warned of a "devastating impact on all businesses" and predicted Tewantin would become a "desert zone." He stated that businesses received only 10 days' notice and that managers expressed "shock and horror" at an impromptu meeting. "They didn't present any solutions, but said they'll go away overnight and come back with an answer," Smith added.

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It is just bonkers.

Kim Visser, manager of the Marina Bar at Tewantin, echoed these concerns, describing empty parking lots and a frightening lack of customers. "In an economy where we're already struggling with an economical crisis … this is going to be the final straw," she said. "They didn't consider us at all."

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The most condescending message on the council phone says, 'Take public transport or ride your bike.'

The council has acknowledged that congestion is worse than anticipated, but the diversions remain in place for the duration of the six-month repair project. The situation is expected to worsen when school holidays conclude and school traffic resumes.

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Would love to see all the tradies with their push bikes, with all their tools.