2022-06-23 Special Meeting Agenda

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA                                                                 23 JUNE 2022


REPORT
1.    Context
In 2015 the newly released Noosa Social Strategy highlighted that median household incomes in
Noosa were well below the Queensland average, and that median home purchase and rental prices
were well above State averages. It showed that many residents were struggling to meet increases
in costs of living, and shortages in affordable housing and limited housing diversity were contributing
to homelessness and incidents of residents “sleeping rough”.
Several years later, the situation is arguably far worse, and the housing crisis is having a very real
social and economic impact on the Shire. Despite Council seeking to encourage greater housing
diversity there has not been any significant improvement in affordability, and increased demand
especially since the outbreak of COVID19, has seen housing become even less affordable for a
greater cross-section of the community. Additionally, businesses and essential government services
are unable to attract and retain staff when local housing is unavailable for workers.
2.    Purpose of Housing Strategy
This report brings forward for Council endorsement the first specific Housing Strategy for Noosa
Shire. The Strategy sets a clear vision and establishes key outcomes and an action plan for Noosa
Shire Council, about accommodating residents now and into the future.
The strategy will guide Council decision making, inform planning policy and Council actions and
investment about planning for and achieving the necessary housing in Noosa, to ensure we cater for
all housing needs and particularly those of the most vulnerable in our community.
The vision is to create an inclusive Noosa community where everybody has access to safe, secure
housing.
3.    Commitment to action
Given everyone has a role to play in ensuring that Noosa Shire continues to prosper and thrive as
an inclusive community, there could be difficult decisions to make. Council should seek the ongoing
support of the community in reaching its stated objectives. This will require conscientious
engagement and strong leadership.
4.    Outcomes and Actions
The Strategy outlines several key outcomes with actions against each. In each action Council takes
on a differing role depending on the level of influence it can have and the level of investment and
resourcing it wishes to make. For example, sometimes Council’s role is to advocate to other levels
of government while in other areas Council can partner with private developers or community
housing providers and even help deliver housing on Council owned land.
The outcomes addressed in the Strategy are as follows:
a)    Noosa Community benefits from industry expertise, local knowledge and world’s best practice
      in the housing sector.
b)    Sufficient housing is provided to accommodate the planned population of the Shire.
c)    New housing is located in areas that are accessible and well-connected to services,
      employment, and infrastructure.
d)    Development and redevelopment for housing is diverse, meeting varied and changing needs
      of people across their life
e)    Housing is available for all members of the Noosa Shire community, including individuals and
      households on low to moderate incomes.
f)    Housing is well designed and adds to the safety, security and wellbeing of residents.
g)    Housing is enduring and resilient to natural processes and changes, without putting people or
      property at risk of hazards.
h)    Sustainable tourism accommodation is facilitated where it is complementary to and compatible
      with other land uses, including housing, and maintains a community’s sense of place.



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