2022-11-14 GC Agenda - Item 4 - Attachment 1 - Short Term Accommodation Monitoring Report 2022

accommodation supply over the last 2 years. In particular, properties operating prior to NP2020
had existing use rights to continue to do so and additional properties sought approval to
operate under the superseded planning scheme provisions. Note that only 885 dwelling
houses had been identified prior to Noosa Plan 2020 coming into effect, so this is an increase
of 161 additional dwelling houses.
Notwithstanding this, it is recognised the continuation of short term accommodation is subject
to the property owner’s discretion and may convert to permanent occupation. As the purpose
of the Low Density Residential zone is for the provision of housing for permanent residents,
any changes to properties from short term accommodation back to permanent occupation
would achieve the purpose and intent of the zone and better secure long term housing stock.
Long term, the changes introduced by NP2020 will have a positive outcome for housing supply
and should continue in its current form.
The interchangeability of dwellings being used for short term accommodation or permanent
occupation in the Medium and High Density zones and the Tourist Accommodation zone
continues to create uncertainty for both housing supply and tourist accommodation supply,
having long lasting effects.
The Medium and High Density Residential zones in particular, continues to allow short term
accommodation as a consistent use in these zones for new development, failing to protect
land for future permanent dwellings, particularly smaller more affordable dwellings to meet a
much needed housing demand.
The last 2 years have seen a continuation of competition and conflict within these zones, and
the current provisions in NP2020 do not support the real purpose and intent of these zones
being for permanent residents.
The Rural Residential and Rural zones both provide a significant contribution to housing supply
for permanent residents in Noosa. However, NP2020 continues to make short term
accommodation and a range of tourist accommodation a consistent use. Given the main
purpose of the Rural Residential zone is for residential uses for permanent residents and Rural
lands are principally for rural activities, supported by a resident, the current provisions in
NP2020 compromise these outcomes.


Housing crisis
Within the current housing crisis, record low rental vacancy rates, significant price increases
in the rental and purchase markets, long term security in housing supply and housing
affordability are the biggest issue facing Noosa. Small affordably dwellings for key workers,
particularly those supporting the tourism and hospitality industry and the older population, as
well as affordable family homes are an unmet housing need in Noosa Shire.
This has become crisis point with many businesses unable to secure staff due to affordable
accommodation shortages and long term residents having to leave Noosa to find housing
elsewhere or seeking refuge in temporary accommodation.
The community has been very clear in consultation on various plans and strategies that short
term accommodation is having a significant impact on housing supply and affordability as well
as residential amenity.
Noosa Shire is considered to have adequate dwelling stock, however it is the use of those
dwellings for short term accommodation, holiday homes or being left vacant (over 18%) which
is of greatest concern and impacting the availability of permanent housing supply for residents.
Whilst the Low Density Residential zone is clear in its intent that short term accommodation of
an entire house on an ongoing basis is an inconsistent use, it only secures long term housing
stock in the form of dwelling houses which are not always affordable or too large for key
workers and the elderly.


                                                                                        pg. 127
Noosa Council Monitoring Report 2022/23