2019-12-11 Special Meeting Agenda

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA                                                            11 DECEMBER 2019


short term accommodation is a proper, necessary and considered position based on sound
planning principles and land use planning to both protect residential areas for residential needs
and minimise land use conflicts. It considers that there is already a relatively significant number of
short term let properties available for visitor use, with existing use rights in this residential zone. It
is also important to note that this has occurred not as a result of an intended policy approach or
planned outcome but through the absence of regulation in the face of a market disruption that
policy and planning frameworks did not anticipate. It is considered that this use is in conflict at the
quantum it is occurring in the Low Density Residential zone, being the only zone intended to be
preserved for and primarily residential in the whole Shire.

It is estimated around 40% of Noosa dwelling stock in the Coastal urban area has potential for
short-term accommodation under the provisions of the new Noosa Plan, and a significant amount
more across the Shire as home hosting opportunities are included and made easier in all residential
zones.

Submitters state that it is inequitable that if somebody is not already doing so, they may be unlikely
to be able to short-term let their dwelling in the future in the Low Density Residential zone, while
their neighbours may already be doing so. This is acknowledged, however the making of a planning
scheme requires that broader strategic issues of land use planning, appropriate zoning, managing
and avoiding conflicting land uses and community and housing be considered across the Shire.

Council has produced a discussion paper on the issues associated with the rapid increase in on
line booking platforms and short-term accommodation, and has also drawn on well documented
research, papers and case studies from around Australia and the world in considering its response
to this issue for its community alongside the wealth of information provided to Council by all
submitters.

Despite much suggestion in submissions, the new Noosa Plan is also not going to prevent lawful
existing short-term accommodation from operating in dwelling houses in the Low Density
residential zone.

It’s been recognised for some time that while tourism is highly valued and contributes substantially
to the Noosa Shire economy as a key sector for Noosa, it is important to also diversify the economy
to build resilience. Council’s Local Economic Plan clearly identifies the importance and need for a
more diversified economy to provide for future employment opportunities. To this end the new
scheme specifically includes various changes to grow centres and diversify businesses, further
enables home-based businesses, commit more land to aged care, create a health and wellbeing
precinct, enable the hospital to expand, set aside innovation zones and encourage start up and
creative businesses within precincts in industrial areas.

The issue of Housing affordability has also been the subject of many submissions. It is argued that
the proposed regulatory environment specifically for the Low Density Residential Zone will impact
on property prices, causing some properties to attract higher value (those with existing use rights)
whilst also reducing the short term stock and impacting on the economy and employment of service
providers. It is also argued that without adequate housing and areas for residential development
communities erode. Without adequate housing for permanent residents including families and
workers, there would be a decline in education and training, sport and recreation services, health
care and medical services etc., also potentially impacting the economy and employment. Whilst
acknowledging the concern raised about this issue, it is considered that the Planning Scheme
provides a balanced approach to land use planning, continued support for tourism development,
employment and business opportunities whilst seeking to maintain adequate housing for residents
and workers.

Planning schemes are regularly reviewed and subject to amendments during the life of the scheme
in response to changing State requirements, community, land use and planning situations. All


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