MCU25/0118 - APPLICATION FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR MULITIPLE DWELLING - AFFORDABLE RENTAL PREMISES (25 x SMALL DWELLINGS) AT 64 LAKE MACDONALD DRIVE, COOROY · ATTACHMENT 2 - (MCU25 0118) - PLANNING OFFICERS REPORT

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT                               10 FEBRUARY 2026


     … The initiatives of Federal and State Government and community based not-for-profit
     entities in delivering more affordable housing for residents in need are likely to be an
     important component of new housing.
     3.3 Strategic Outcomes
     3.3.3 Housing Choice
   The strategic outcomes for housing choice by 2041 are:
     a. Residential development occurs on land that is suited and designated for the intended
        form of housing and avoids any unnecessary removal of significant vegetation.
     b. Residential development occurs where it is not in the vicinity of land uses that would
        adversely impact the amenity of residents.
     c. Residential development only occurs where it will not prevent or inhibit the conduct of
        existing land uses that are legitimately located or planned for in that location.
     d. Residential development is designed within the planned capacity of infrastructure
        including roads, water and sewerage.
     e. A wide range of housing including accessible housing, is spread throughout the existing
        urban areas of Noosa Shire and responds to housing needs associated with factors such
        as changing demographics, changing composition of households, and lifestyle choices.
     f.   Additional smaller dwellings on traditional house sites and small dwellings throughout
          and near centres zones are provided so that the housing mix and choice better reflect
          community needs.
     g. Council will support the Federal and State Government and community based not-for-
        profit entities in delivering a diverse and comprehensive range of social and affordable
        housing options.
     h. Major residential developments will be encouraged to incorporate a range of housing
        types including more affordable housing products for the entry buyer and low-income
        housing markets.
     i.   Additional affordable rental premises are provided through public-private partnerships
          and development incentives.
Comment:
The proposed development application is consistent with the Strategic Framework of the Noosa
Plan 2020, and more broadly aligns with State Government housing initiatives to encourage
affordable housing.
The application seeks approval for a multiple dwelling development consisting of 25 x affordable
rental premises. To qualify as affordable rental premises, the development is to consist of
affordable housing, entirely small dwellings owned or leased by a registered provider within the
meaning of the Housing Act 2003; and managed by a registered community housing provider, as
long term rental housing for a minimum of 20 years.
It is also noted that recent amendments to the planning scheme facilitate the development of
multiple dwelling development within the Community Facilities Zone based on it consisting only of
affordable rental premises. These changes are reflective of the broader strategic intent articulated
through previous council resolutions and identified within the Housing Strategy for the delivery of
greater housing choice through a diversity of housing supply.
The subject site is zoned Community Facilities and represents a unique opportunity within the Shire
to deliver a development of appropriate scale and density that contributes to meeting the Housing
Choice projections outlined in the Planning Scheme.