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

         Good governance is achieved through effective and efficient decision making, made in the
          interests of the community.

Regard has been given to these principles in preparing this report.

1.4 Role of Local Government in Housing
It is increasingly recognised that a diversity of stakeholders have a role to play in addressing the
housing needs of Australian communities. All levels of government contribute to shaping local
housing markets and have a role to play in promoting better housing outcomes. This can occur
through influencing markets, developing policy and legislation, regulating the supply of and
developing land as well as delivering programs and funding arrangements.

Australian, State and Local Governments share the responsibilities for regulating the housing
market through building and planning regulations. The Australian and State Governments
provide the policy and legislative framework within which local government operates, and also
influence the economic context in which housing is supplied (e.g. through tax regimes, interest
rates and funding).

The private sector, and to a lesser extent the community and public sectors (primarily the State
Government) are responsible for the supply of housing. Importantly, the State Government is
responsible for social housing, including the provision of public housing and, in partnership with
nongovernment organisations, community housing for eligible low-income households and those
with special needs. Australian and State Governments have also traditionally been responsible for
providing housing assistance to people on very low incomes. Increasingly however, resource
limitations have meant that many of these households have had to rely on the private housing
market.

Whilst the primary responsibility for housing policy and housing funding lies with the Australian
and State/Territory Governments, Local Governments may play a role in facilitating housing
delivery and promoting the provision/retention of affordable housing. Local Government’s role
includes strategic planning, the regulation of housing supply and form, infrastructure planning
and pricing policies, rate setting and community service delivery. The exercise of these functions
can create opportunities for additional housing, guide the form of housing in response to needs,
and influence the cost of production and the availability of services.

Local Government planning schemes are one tool through which these responsibilities can be
exercised; however there are limitations to the role of land use planning to deliver housing
outcomes, and it is up to each Council to determine how it wishes to pursue housing objectives
and strategies. While Local Government is not equipped to take over the roles traditionally played
by State/Territory and Australian Governments, there is nevertheless some scope for Councils to
direct the activities that are within their domain to promote better housing outcomes for their
communities should they so desire.

1.5 Project Aims
The project aims as outlined by Council were to:

     a.   Provide a clear understanding of Noosa Shire’s current housing situation and trends
          including dwelling type, dwelling tenure, dwelling supply and dwelling affordability
          having consideration of demographic forecasts provided, project housing needs into the
          future including for instance, projected need for small dwellings, aged persons housing,
          affordable housing, housing for people with a disability or with other special
          circumstances;



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