2020-12-17 Ordinary Meeting Agenda

ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA                                                          17 DECEMBER 2020


The Department suggests the acquisition of additional land zoned for units is extremely difficult but
they are open to purchasing individual units within new developments or taking head leases on new
or established properties if suitable to their needs.

While provisions in the Queensland Planning Regulation allows the development of public housing
which is in conflict with the local planning scheme, (such as a duplex in the low density housing
neighbourhood) it is very rare that this occurs.

Not for profit community housing providers also report they readily take market value head leases
on dwellings if available but are also struggling to secure properties.

People eligible for social housing apply to be on the housing register. Their housing needs are
assessed based on their ability to independently access and sustain stable housing. People with
multiple complex factors, at risk of danger, households including children and those who are already
homeless are generally prioritised.

The 2019 waitlist was dominated by single persons, entitled and requiring only one bedroom. Many
of these have been on the wait list a long time.

3.    Housing Strategy

Some local governments with similar housing concerns have established housing affordability
initiatives to address the concern. The NSW government has encouraged councils to produce Local
Housing Strategies with input from their communities.

These are likely to address a number of aspects around an ageing community, and change in
household structure, and not necessarily be limited to aspects of affordability. Relevant
considerations also include disability access, transport and access to services.

That exercise would take some time, and would potentially commence with an update of the findings
of the 2017 Housing Needs Assessment to identify gaps in housing supply. Any approach must
include mechanisms to deliver the desired outcomes or it will have little value.

4.    Local Economic Priorities

The Noosa Local Economic Plan outlines an aspiration to diversify the economy by growing priority
sectors such as the health and wellness sector, digital economy, as well as strengthen traditional
sectors like tourism and local food industries. Noosa will struggle to compete with other larger centres
for skilled workers in these fields if there is a lack of suitable and affordable housing close to
employment. For this reason, consideration of employee housing should be incorporated in the next
review of the Local Economic Plan.

5.    Noosa Plan 2020

5.1   State interest – housing supply and diversity

The State Planning Policy sets out the following State interest in housing supply and diversity.
“Diverse, accessible and well-serviced housing, and land for housing, is provided and supports
affordable housing outcomes.” The Planning Minister in approving the planning scheme determined
it appropriately integrated this State Interest. Further, Noosa Plan 2020 allows for the dwelling targets
outlined in the SEQ Regional Plan.

One of the core concepts of improved housing choice is the need for accessible and well-serviced
housing, located in areas with good access to facilities and services. For this reason it is important
that new housing has good access to transport, education, health services, employment
opportunities, retail shops and financial services, community services (e.g. places of worship,

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