2017-04-11 P&E Agenda Attachment 1 to Item 1 Housing Needs Assessment

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction
A Housing Needs Assessment was prepared to inform the preparation of a new Noosa Planning
Scheme (the ‘New Noosa Plan’), in accordance with the requirements of the Queensland State
Planning Policy – State Interest Guideline, Housing Supply and Diversity, 2016.

The project aims as outlined by Council were to:

        Provide a clear understanding of Noosa Shire’s current housing situation and trends and
         project housing needs into the future including those for specific groups (e.g. older
         people);
        Review competing interests between permanent residents and short term visitors for
         housing stock;
        Inform policy aimed at addressing housing needs shortages and improving housing
         choice within the Shire.

What are the key issues?
As a highly sought after and affluent coastal location, market conditions have favoured the
development of often ‘large’ and at times extraordinary dwellings in many parts of Noosa Shire.
As a consequence, Noosa Shire has seen various housing issues emerge which have been outside
the ability of past planning schemes to resolve alone. Key issues include:

        Housing affordability, especially for low income households and key workers;
        A lack of accessible or adaptable housing for older people and people with special
         needs;
        A mismatch of housing size and household size (albeit some may be by choice or
         circumstance);
        A shortage of affordable and appropriate aged accommodation;
        A lack of housing diversity, and particularly smaller dwellings;
        Low levels of social and emergency housing;
        Conflict between resident and visitor accommodation.

This study informs the forthcoming planning scheme with the aim of addressing these issues to
the extent possible through land use planning.

How does Noosa Shire compare?
Noosa Shire’s housing appears not well suited to its demographic profile. Its housing profile is
not dissimilar to Queensland, but its population is very different:

        Average household size in Noosa Shire is low and decreasing;
        The population is older than South East Queensland and the State, and is ageing rapidly;
        Median household income is lower than South East Queensland and the State.

Given this population profile, compared to other areas:




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