Town Planning Report - Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy (Coast2Bay) · MCU25/0118

REPORT

4             KEY PLANNING MATTERS
The following sections serve to specifically address the elements of the proposed development that do not
strictly comply with the current provisions of the Noosa Plan 2020.

4.1           Consistent Use
It is acknowledged that lodgement of this development application follows adoption of Amendment No. 2 to
the Noosa Plan 2020, which formally commenced 26 September 2025. In this regard, we recognise that the
recent amendments have been introduced to:
•     expand housing choice through smaller dwellings, accessible dwellings, affordable dwellings and
      dwellings specifically built for permanent rental; and
•     create feasible pathways for the development of additional social or affordable housing.
In particular, we understand that the recent amendments now facilitate lodgement development applications
for multiple dwellings over certain Community Facilities zoned land (including the subject site), where
consisting of ‘small dwellings’ designated as ‘affordable rental premises’.
In doing so, we understand the proposed form of development is now recognised as a ‘consistent’ use within
the Community Facilities zone.

4.2           Need and Target Cohort
There is a clear and documented need for social housing within the Noosa Local Government Area (LGA).
Between 2024 and 2025 there was a 57% increase in households on the Queensland Social Housing
Register who require social housing in the Noosa LGA. The increase from 51 to 80 households represents a
growing issue in the region with most demand generated by single parent families, single persons and single
persons over 55 (i.e. seniors) with a corresponding need for 1 and 2-bed accommodation.

The twenty-five (25) units proposed will comprise a mix of 15 x 1-bed and 10 x 2-bed dwellings, which aligns
to the current demand evident from the waitlist data for Noosa. The project funding also sets the target
tenant groups who are to be accommodated within the complex, being families, young people and seniors
(over 55’s) from the Queensland Social Housing Register. These reflect the demand demonstrated for the
Noosa region.

4.3           Affordable rental premises
As above, it is acknowledged that the recent amendments to Noosa Plan 2020 include the introduction of the
following administrative definition for ‘affordable rental premises’:
      Affordable rental premises means one or more dwellings which are:
        a. Affordable Housing;
        b. Entirely small dwellings;
        c. Owned or leased by a registered provider within the meaning of the Housing Act 2003; and
        d. Managed by the registered community housing provider, as long term rental housing for a minimum
           of 20 years.
The proposal therefore complies with this new administrative definition for ‘affordable rental premises’
acknowledging each of the units are smaller than 100m2 and will be delivered by Coast2Bay (being a
Registered Community Housing Provider).

4.4           Funding Arrangement and Security in Perpetuity
The project is subject to a Capital Funding Agreement (CFA) with the Queensland Government Department
of Housing. The CFA commits the project to Social Housing in perpetuity, with a State mortgage over the
land.


AU213016247 | Development Application for a Material Change of Use to establish a Multiple Dwelling (Affordable Rental Premises) comprising 25
dwellings | 1 | 29 September 2025
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