2020-07-16 SM Agenda - Item 1 - Attachment 2 - Final Noosa Plan 2020 Parts 1-3

 accommodation, and protecting existing aged care sites. The importance of remaining in or near one’s community is acknowledged so
 aged care and independent retirement living opportunities are encouraged in hinterland towns as well as in the coastal urban areas of
 the Shire. Improving the accessibility and usability of housing through universal or adaptable housing principles will allow people to stay
 in their own home longer or find new housing suitable to their physical needs.

 Historically, the majority of dwellings are three of more bedrooms and the predominant household size is only one or two persons.
 Consequently, priority is given to increasing opportunities for smaller housing to better meet the needs of small households. As there is
 a correlation between the size of housing and the cost of housing this should improve affordability. New attached housing in or close to
 centres will generally be limited to small dwellings. Within established urban residential neighbourhoods, a small dwelling can be
 established within the existing built form of a house or adjacent to it on the same property. Protecting existing communities of relocatable
 homes and allowing for additional communities is also important as are other models of housing, such as rooming accommodation.

 The well serviced hinterland towns such as Cooroy and Pomona have ongoing scope for growth. Increasing housing in rural or remote
 parts of the Shire is not a sustainable solution to meet housing needs as it increases the number of people living away from
 employment, services and facilities and puts increased pressure on rural areas through conflicts with rural production, pressure on rural
 roads and cumulative environmental impacts.


 Creative and informed communities

 Noosa Shire is well serviced by schools and early childhood education but there are gaps in other areas. Lifelong learning opportunities,
 both formal and informal, are needed to help broaden education choice. Tertiary education and vocational training opportunities, that
 complement the priority economic sectors, are particularly encouraged, as are training and learning facilities for groups at risk of social
 isolation such as retirees, low income earners and young parents.

 Public art as part of urban developments is encouraged to showcase the creativity and culture of Noosa Shire. Providing more affordable
 and accessible spaces for artists and creative activities is important for growing and supporting the Noosa cultural sector. This includes
 gallery/cultural facilities that provide high quality exhibition space, as well as spaces for creating, sharing and learning.

 Cultural practitioners have the ability to establish home­based businesses such as home galleries, studios and workshops/teaching
 spaces. There are several successful examples of these businesses spread throughout the Shire.

 3.2.4             Housing to meet diverse needs of the community
 The residents of Noosa Shire are part of an inclusive community where diversity is valued. Different housing types and styles are needed
 to provide choices, ensuring people’s housing needs are catered for, regardless of age and mobility, household size and budget. By
 providing housing choice in each local area, a greater mix of people and ages are accommodated and this can provide a more diverse
 community.

 The quality lifestyle sought by residents of the Shire demands high standards of residential amenity. Factors such as design, density,
 accessibility, security, landscaped open space, proximity and availability of services and transport are important considerations.

 While low density, predominantly detached housing, prevails in Noosa Shire, as the population ages, there is likely to be increased
 demand for a range of housing that suits single and couple households in locations with good public transport and access to services
 and facilities. Historically, around 80 per cent of housing in the Shire is separate houses comprising three or more bedrooms.
 Residential units and communal living such as retirement and aged care make up the remainder. To best meet future housing needs, it
 is projected that by 2041 some 30 per cent of the total housing stock should be multi​­unit housing styles, particularly small one and two
 bedroom dwellings to cater for smaller households.

 By 2041, development needs to cater for around 6,400 more dwellings than existed at the 2016 census. Future housing demand,
 particularly for smaller dwellings, is likely to be best met through 'infill' development within existing residential areas, on well​­located
 under​utilised land, and within town centres in a mixed­use format. Residential growth in and around existing centres with ready access
 to goods and services, attractive public spaces and community activities is encouraged. High standards of residential amenity and
 building design is expected. However, style and size may vary to accommodate a range of household types and income levels. Incentives
 are offered to exemplary and innovative residential developments that advance sustainable housing choice including affordable options
 for aging in place and housing key workers.

 The cost of housing can be high, so special effort is needed to allow for an element of affordability within the diversity of new housing
 provided. A range of measures are provided to encourage housing affordability including requirements for small dwelling units close to
 centres and facilitating an additional small dwelling on traditional house sites. Providing housing choice for key workers to support key



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