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

Development that fitted with the planning scheme was approved promptly. It has often been the
case that applications have sought to exceed entitlements or to ignore entirely the planning
scheme intentions. These types of applications have not been dealt with expeditiously. Council
has not been able to prohibit development which was consistent with the planning scheme.

Lifestyle of residents has been placed ahead of the needs of tourists, based on the principle that if
things were done well for the residents the visitors will come.

Council genuinely saw Noosa Shire as a community of communities – the hinterland is different
to Tewantin which is different to the coastal parts, plus Noosa North Shore and Boreen Point, etc.
This led to different planning and different outcomes expected.

Over the years Council has assumed an increasing social role. A relationship with the Kabi Kabi
people evolved, libraries were better resourced, community staff were appointed and the Shire
moved forward. The SHINE houses were built on land donated by Council (see Section 3.2.2).
Sector boards were established as an integral part of guiding Council direction, and community
engagement grew substantially.

Intervention in the housing market will require consideration of the desirability of increased focus
on outcomes of social equity and inclusiveness, including stimulating housing diversity. Various
options are available for Council consideration in this regard, and they are discussed within this
report.

1.3 Council’s Sustainability Principles
Noosa Shire has a long history of protecting the natural environment, enhancing biodiversity and
doing things in a balanced and sustainable way, not just for the current community and economy,
but for future generations.

To further these efforts, on the 19 November 2015, Council adopted a set of Sustainability
Principles2 for the purpose of providing a common basis for increasing sustainability in Noosa
Shire.

The principles have been identified to guide the development of Council’s strategy documents
and to prompt consideration of sustainability across all areas of Council business so that the
environment, economic and social elements of sustainability are considered inter-dependently.

Noosa Shire's Six Sustainability Principles are:

         Resources are sustainably managed so that the lifestyle of the community is preserved,
          without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
          (consistent with the Brundtland Commission definition of sustainability).
         Noosa’s economy is prosperous, diverse and protective of its unique environment.
         Noosa residents belong to a community that values its diversity, accessibility and
          affordability.
         Noosa’s community is inclusive, connected and resilient and encourages participation and
          information sharing.
         Noosa’s community benefits from quality places and programs that enhance wellbeing
          and support creative, active and healthy lifestyles.


2
    http://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/sustainability-principles




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