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

However in the event of continued ongoing growth in total visitor nights in line with that over
the last decade, there was found still likely to be a further projected need for additional tourist
accommodation and visitor dwellings by 2036 which is unlikely to be able to be met by
dedicated tourism development. Tourism demand may therefore ‘spill over’ into resident
accommodation.

What are the Challenges and Opportunities?
Meeting the housing needs of residents in the light of competing demand for tourist
accommodation
The overall conclusion of the assessment is that tourism demand, if it were to continue at its
current level over the last decade, could have a substantial impact on the availability and
affordability of resident housing. Considering tourism needs is a critical component of ensuring
adequate and appropriate housing for residents – and vice versa. However it will be important
that the limits of tourist accommodation sustainability in Noosa Shire are recognised, while
encouraging the future growth of the tourism industry in more sustainable ways. This is in line
with the policies of the Local Economic Plan, which looks beyond tourism-driven economic
growth and employment, towards a more resilient and diversified economy. Achieving an
appropriate balance of tourist and resident housing needs will be a challenge for the new
Planning Scheme.

Making optimal use of remaining land through smaller lot sizes and minimum density
requirements for attached dwellings in some locations
The availability of land within the Noosa Shire urban footprint/ town boundaries and its
implications for the affordability of housing emphasises the importance of making the best use
of remaining land to meet housing needs, particularly in terms of reducing the imbalance
between small and large dwellings relative to the high number of small households in Noosa
Shire, and also providing housing choice for the many different groups in the community. The
New Noosa Plan will need to consider bold options for an increase in housing choice within the
existing urban areas by providing smaller lots and minimum dwelling densities in appropriate
locations.

Considering new built form controls and any appropriate incentives to achieve objectives, while
preserving the integrity of the Noosa Plan
Built form controls can have unintentional consequences resulting in housing outcomes that may
not be those most required to meet needs. This occurred in the past in relation to favouring
large duplexes over smaller dwelling types. These controls need to be reviewed to ensure they
are not unduly restricting housing choice.
Incentives can be an important tool for Councils to attempt to achieve their housing priorities.
However those relating to density can be seen as eroding amenity or the principles of the Noosa
Plan; and those that relate to reductions in infrastructure charges can result in a shortfall in
planned infrastructure revenue. Reduction in development application fees can similarly affect
Council’s budgeting while contributing little significant incentive; and it is noted that
development assessment times are already being further reduced under the new Planning Act so
that reduction in assessment times for priority applications would be difficult.




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