2022-11-04 Special Meeting Agenda

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA                                                           4 NOVEMBER 2022


There was considerable media around the draft housing strategy and consultation period. This
included:
•     Media releases
•     Feature ads in local newspapers
•     A specific direct electronic mailout to all the sporting and community groups on Council’s
      communications list
•     A specific direct electronic mailout to businesses and other recipients of the economic
      development newsletter
•     A specific direct email to professional consultants within the planning/ building design/
      engineering industry
•     Extensive social media posts including videos
•     Posters in Council and community buildings
•     Local radio interview with the Mayor
•     Printed newspaper editorials including local and broader circulations
Direct email or postal correspondence was also sent to surrounding neighbours of the two sites
Council had previously resolved to investigate or up-zone land for the purpose of affordable housing.
In total the owners of 28 Sunrise Beach properties were notified and 66 Cooroy properties.
In terms of discussions and workshops the following activities provided valuable feedback:
•     Four advertised pop-up engagement opportunities at Noosaville and Cooroy libraries
•     Two Housing Stakeholder Reference Group meetings
•     Planning and Development Industry workshop
•     Meeting with Resident Ratepayer community members
•     Direct briefing to the Noosa Labour Shortage Group meeting
The consultation period formally finished on 7 August although written submissions received after
that time were still considered.
3.    Housing Stakeholder Reference Group
The first meeting of the Housing Stakeholder Reference Group was held on Tuesday 19 July.
Participants broadly represented housing and social service providers, community and business
groups, state agencies, elected representatives and Council. A full list of participants is provided as
Attachment 3.
Through this initial meeting, and a subsequent workshop on Monday 25 July, participants shared
information on the types of local individuals and families currently experiencing housing insecurity or
even homelessness in Noosa Shire, and ideas for more inclusive communities.
Discussion was dominated by ways of bringing the community along on the journey of inclusiveness.
Reference Group participants broadly agreed:
•     A thorough analysis should be conducted into what housing is needed in the Noosa Shire.
•     Consideration should be given to ways that both Council and reference group can reassure
      the community that any new affordable and social housing would complement Noosa’s
      character and values – this should include a public education campaign to change community
      perceptions
•     Consideration be given to how Council can define its role in implementing the housing strategy
      in all future communications to better manage community expectations
•     A commitment to work with and support Council in tackling the housing crisis.
4.    Planning & Development Industry workshop
Local planning, design, engineering, environmental and building professionals were invited to attend
an industry workshop on the draft housing strategy. Six industry representatives joined staff to
discuss potential actions for short and longer term improvement to housing choice. This group
believed that changes to the planning scheme would be necessary to bring about change, although

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