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

2.6 The Noosa Plan 2006 – Housing, tourism and visitor
accommodation
The former Noosa Plan 2006 (NP2006) was originally prepared under the provisions of the
Integrated Planning Act 1997 then subsequently updated by a number of amendments
including amendments to comply with the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 and Planning Act
2016. NP2006 was in place from February 2006 and was superseded by the commencement
of Noosa Plan 2020 on 31 July 2020.
The provisions contained in NP2006 directly influenced the development outcomes as they
related to the provision and types of housing for permanent residents and all forms of visitor
accommodation, including short term accommodation, during this period.
At the time of its preparation, NP2006 was prepared and informed by 2001 census data and
other background studies, many of which are now over 20 years old. The 1997 Strategic Plan
provided NP2006’s platform, having introduced a “population cap” - a population carrying
capacity which could be supported within the planned infrastructure whilst maintaining its
environmental values.
NP2006, like other IPA-based planning schemes, did not include a substantial Strategic Plan,
but a brief overall Strategic Framework and Community Vision.
The relevant provisions from NP2006 are outlined and discussed below for their implications
on housing, visitor accommodation, economy -tourism and the community generally.


2.6.1 Community Vision
NP2006 had an admirable vision that the community and tourism industry would work well
together and that Noosa was internationally recognised as an innovator in achieving
interdependent, economic, social and environmental sustainability. The Community Vision
stated that by 2021 Noosa Shire would be as renowned for its focus on people as well as its
focus on the environment and tourism. Whilst the vision identified a continued emphasis on
the tourism and hospitality sectors, it also identified growth in other industries.
Despite this vision, the various provisions within NP2006 may not have successfully backed
this up, particularly around securing housing for permanent residents, the hierarchy of
landuses and the competition and conflict between residential and tourist accommodation.
Relevant sections from the Community Vision are contained in Appendix 5 to this report.


2.6.2 Strategic Framework
The strategic framework stated the urban areas of Eastern Beaches, Noosa Heads, Noosaville
and Tewantin accounted for about 75% of Noosa’s resident population but were the areas
most affected by visitor influx.
With regard to the strategies for residential development, the Strategic Framework spoke of a
variety of housing types being allowed for with higher densities encouraged in proximity to
centres. However, the strategies focused more on the urban settlement pattern and
sustainable development outcomes rather than the overall provision of housing for permanent
residents.
It stated that population growth and associated change should not adversely impact the
character, lifestyle and environment enjoyed by residents, with a sustainable resident
population carrying capacity of 62,031 people. However, the strategic framework also
recognised Noosa’s population would swell to 67,275 people from visitors during holiday
peaks.



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Noosa Council Monitoring Report 2022/23