2022-11-04 - Special Meeting Agenda Item 1 - Attachment 2 - Consultation Report

4.1 Key engagement findings
Over the four-week engagement consultation period, Noosa Council and Articulous provided community members with the opportunity to provide feedback on the
Draft Housing Strategy. The engagement included an online survey, facilitating a Housing Stakeholder Reference Group workshop, library displays, a social media
campaign and written email submissions to the project email. Key findings across all engagement include:

Support for social and affordable housing

         •   The engagement showcased the passion of Noosa community and the value they place in the Shire’s unique character and lifestyle. In analysing
             engagement responses, it’s clear – Noosa Shire residents want to be able to Keep Noosa Home.

         •   Across the community, there was a strong awareness of the current housing crisis and the impact it is having on the local economy with 26% of those
             who completed the survey nominating the cost of housing as the biggest obstacle to living in Noosa Shire.

         •   Just under half of all survey responses said it was ‘extremely important’ that social and affordable housing is made a priority by Noosa Council which
             correlates to 63.8% support in the written submissions. In analysing all written responses, 67.2% of those made supportive comments in relation to
             social and affordable housing.

         •   All but one response from those aged 18-24 agreed that it was extremely important that social and affordable housing be a priority for Noosa Council,
             with the other saying it should be important.

         •   In analysing sentiment across all engagement tools, it was evident there is majority support for more housing choice and affordability, however how
             this type of housing would look and where it would be located are points of contention among different demographic cohorts.

         •   Although aware of the issues facing the community should the current housing crisis worsen, the analysis highlighted underlying concerns about the
             potential impact any new social and affordable housing may have on property values as well as the Shire’s unique character and lifestyle.

         •   There was broad community support for Council to consider new regulations to reduce the amount of short term accommodation in the Shire, which
             many believe would return key properties to the rental market and provide an ‘instant’ fix to the current housing crisis. The analysis also found there
             was broad community support for the repurposing of existing empty buildings into affordable housing options.

Council’s role in identifying possible solutions to the housing crisis

         •   Although the majority of respondents were appreciative of council's efforts and work in ensuring people can Keep Noosa Home, some local residents
             noted the provision of social and affordable housing was not the responsibility of local government. There was support for council to collaborate with
             both the Queensland and Australian on delivering new housing outcomes.
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