2022-11-04 Special Meeting Agenda

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA                                                          4 NOVEMBER 2022


Staff have already suggested that parts of the road network are under pressure and further capacity
analysis should be undertaken before substantial growth supported.
The Housing Strategy seeks to prioritise actions that utilise existing housing stock more efficiently
and effectively including the encouragement of more self-contained granny flats and units into the
permanent rental market; encourage new developments to include a greater number of smaller
dwellings.
11.    Character and Amenity
Some submissions were concerned that any departure from the existing planning scheme provisions
would threaten the character and amenity of localities, particularly residential neighbourhoods. There
was support for maintaining built form, height, and density provisions and to protect areas of
vegetation and open space that separates communities. There was reflection on how contemporary
the Noosa Plan 2020 is and how changes to the community endorsed plan would be inappropriate.
Others expressed a different view and thought that the planning scheme over-regulated residential
development and there was scope for increased height and density, particularly to encourage
housing styles described as “the missing middle”.
Specific concerns were raised about social housing and “cheaper housing” including units, tiny
homes or relocatable homes. There were submitters concerned that such development has a
negative impact on neighbourhood amenity and property values. Views varied from social housing
& affordable housing not being appropriate in specific localities to just anywhere in Noosa.
The Housing Strategy seeks to reinforce the core values of Noosa Shire as outlined in the Strategic
Framework of Noosa Plan 2020 and partner with Housing Stakeholder Reference Group in
embarking on an ongoing informative communication strategy.
12.    Specific Sites and Areas
12.1        Ben Lexcen Drive, Sunrise Beach
Five written submissions specifically referenced opposition to rezoning of land for affordable housing
in Ben Lexcen Drive or anywhere in Sunrise Beach. Two supported the proposal. Those that were
opposed cited traffic congestion, amenity, safety and property values as their reasoning. Some
recognised the need to provide cheaper accommodation for workers and families close to Noosa,
but suggested there must be more suitable areas further from the beach.
The survey results showed 67 respondents from Sunrise Beach. A survey question asked if there
were areas less suitable for social and affordable housing and 10 respondents specifically nominated
Sunrise Beach (five of whom said they lived in Sunrise Beach), 16 nominated coastal suburbs (again,
five of whom said they lived in Sunrise Beach).
Staff have not altered in their position that the rezoning of this land would be a positive move and
would result in an increase of housing choice, with a minimal effect on the neighbourhood. Resultant
development is likely to happen over time and be a mix of contemporary multiple housing styles. The
Housing Strategy continues to propose the rezoning of this land to Medium Density Residential
12.2        Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy
Four written submissions expressed concern or objection to clustering affordable housing or tiny
homes in Cooroy, not necessarily limited to the Council site. Two submitters identified themselves
as neighbours of the Lake Macdonald Drive site and while one of them expressed objection they
both sought more information on the plans as soon as available. There was one written submission
that specifically supported the prospect of housing on that site.
The survey results showed 68 respondents from Cooroy.
Staff are buoyed by the absence of significant objection to this proposal and continue investigations
into the suitability of this land for housing and review of other options for burial purposes. If it
advances to the stage that development options can be designed for a mix of residential outcomes,
the local community will be consulted further.


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