2019-12-11 SM Agenda - Item 1 - Attachment 2 - Final New Noosa Plan Part 1-3 and 5-6 Track Change version

     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 industry sectors is a particular focus. Established retirement communities, aged care facilities and
     transportable home parks are also protected. Land set aside for retirement and aged care facilities at Tewantin, Cooroy, Noosa
     Heads, Noosaville and Sunrise Beach will help cater for demand. The initiatives of Federal and State Government and community
     based not­for­profit entities in delivering more affordable housing for residents in need are likely to be an important component of
     new housing.

     Given Noosa Shire's popularity as a destination for visitors, accommodation is under increasing pressure from both residents and
     guests. Visitor accommodation areas at Noosa Heads, Noosaville and Noosa North Shore are protected for visitors to the exclusion
     of permanent occupants. The limited number of sites available for new resort development is protected for this purpose.
     Conversely, neighbourhoods of permanent residents are protected from influxes of short­term visitors whose interests and priorities
     are not compatible with residential amenity. Parts of Noosaville, Noosa Heads and the coastal communities have been included in
     a short stay area (Maps SSA­1 and SSA­2 in Schedule 2). Within this area it is anticipated that a portion of houses may be available
     for short term stay for all or part of a year, subject to meeting the acceptable outcomes for their local area. Party houses are
     restricted from establishing in Noosa Shire.

 3.2.5 Noosa's natural environment
     The natural environment of the Shire is valued for its intrinsic biodiversity as well as for the range of ecosystem services that
     humans rely on including the provision of food, water, raw materials, minerals, recreation, tourism and cultural values. It provides for
     soil quality and fertility, water filtration, air purification, climate regulation, pollination, erosion control, decomposition and recycling of
     wastes. These ecosystem services support the health and wellbeing of the community, contribute to the character and identity of
     places, provide access to clean air and water, provide for a productive economy, including tourism and agricultural sectors, and offer
     opportunities to enjoy nature, meet others, learn and be active and creative. Biodiversity conservation also provides protection from
     natural hazards such as flooding and coastal erosion.

     Through protection and enhancement of the natural environment, the scenic amenity and landscape character of the Shire remains
     attractive and contributes to the lifestyle qualities valued by the community and visitors to Noosa Shire.

     The Noosa Shire has outstanding environmental values with a diverse range of distinctive landscapes and exceptional biodiversity
     of great local, regional and global significance. Of the 55 per cent of the Shire covered in native vegetation (as at 2017), more than
     40,000 hectares i s classified as 'remnant' vegetation. While the Noosa Shire comprises 1.4 per cent of the total area of SEQ, it
     contains representations of 39 per cent of the regional ecosystems that can occur in the SEQ bioregion.

     Noosa Shire has a great diversity of ecological communities and flora and fauna species that are recognised and protected
     including the critically endangered lowland rainforest community and critical habitats such as internationally recognised migratory
     bird habitats and marine turtle nesting sites. Unique ecosystems include rare subtropical examples of patterned fens (wetland
     ecosystem), coastal lagoon systems, sand lakes and dune systems. The Shire supports a significantly high proportion of
     endangered vegetation. Around 230 km2 of the Shire (over one third) is covered by protected reserves (as at 2017). As a result of
     this, and long standing management efforts, the Noosa River estuary has been consistently awarded an A rating for water quality,
     the highest in SEQ.

     A network of habitat areas and linkages provide ecological connectivity from a wide cross section of ecosystem types and altitudinal
     ranges. These connecting habitat areas are shown on Strategic Framework Map SFM­4 ­ Biodiversity. A diverse network of wetlands



**FINAL DRAFT ­ Post Consultation 2019**                                                                                                    Page 7 of 14