2021-12-13 General Committee Meeting Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                 13 DECEMBER 2021


10.    Independent Peer Review
The Housing Needs Analysis has been the subject of Independent Expert Peer Review. To support
the rigour of this assessment and to ensure it reflects contemporary issues, challenges and current
policy context independent peer and expert review has been sought from two organisations. Review
and input was specifically sought from both an academic research organisation and from
practitioners in the housing sector to ensure robust, practical and contemporary input and review.
Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) have provided a comprehensive review
and feedback on the document. AHURI are the primary research organisation on housing and
homelessness in Australia, they undertake research and offer peer review services.
The document has also been peer reviewed by Hornsby & Co, Rachel Hornsby and Steve Dunne
who are both very experienced practitioners in the Housing sector. They have extensive experience
in the community housing sector, government policy and development. Their review offered practical
and contemporary input, relevant case examples and policy context.
11.    Transparency and Due Process
It is appreciated that the availability of affordable housing has worsened rapidly and there is a desire
to act swiftly to assist local residents struggling to secure housing. A number of suggestions have
been put forward which are focussed on either introducing a temporary local planning instrument,
creating temporary housing or developing non-residential land for housing.
This report puts forward some short term actions while the finalisation of the Housing Strategy
occurs, the strategy will consider and propose a range of further actions Council can take.
Given Council is committed to working hand in hand with the community and being transparent in
all its dealings it is not recommended that Council take any short term actions at this stage that have
not gone through due process including proper assessment of development impacts or community
consultation where appropriate.
Previous Council Consideration
Ordinary Meeting Minutes - 15 July 2021 – Page 14
Council acknowledges the current housing crisis is a priority issue for Council to address and
A.     Request the CEO to urgently provide a report to Council on the range of short, medium and
       long term options available to Council to address the shortage of housing availability for
       permanent residents in Noosa with the report to include consideration of the following:
        i.   details of what additional data and empirical research is required into the housing
             situation in Noosa;
       ii.   details of the Ministerial condition for the Noosa Plan relating to short term
             accommodation and the timing for Council’s response to that condition; and
      iii.   what interim policy responses may be available to the Council in respect of the impact of
             short term accommodation approvals upon available housing supply;
      iv.    commissioning a report by an independent specialist consultant into the housing situation
             in Noosa;
       v.    the opportunities and potential impact associated with adopting a Temporary Local
             Planning Instrument, including to facilitate auxiliary dwelling units in appropriate
             locations;
      vi.    opportunities and potential impact of brokering community housing and emergency
             housing options on council and community land which targets the most affected
             demographic groups (e.g., hospitality workers, essential/key workers in the health
             industry and single women over 50); and
      vii.   potential policy positions that advocate for more state and federal government
             investment in housing in the shire.

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