NOOSA HOUSING STRATEGY - 12 MONTH UPDATE · Report

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                        11 DECEMBER 2023


advocate to other levels of government, which is ongoing.

For many other actions Council's role is that of Planner or Regulator. Council has planned for an
appropriate provision of housing and this has been spelt out within the Housing Supply Statement
recently furnished to the State Government as part of the SEQ Regional Planning review process.
Council has reviewed Noosa Plan 2020 and associated policies and proposed amendments to
improve housing supply, housing choice, sustainable design, housing affordability, and housing
diversity. The proposed amendments have been subject to State Interest Review for several
months. At the time of preparing this report, it is understood the proposed amendments are with the
Minister's office with a recommendation they be approved, subject to conditions, for the purpose of
community consultation.

Outside of Noosa Plan 2020, Council can use levers such as rates, development application fees,
development assessment timelines and infrastructure charges as other means of incentivising
positive housing outcomes. These measures are currently being analysed with recommendations to
come before Council as part of the next budget review.

Council staff have been proactively partnering with State Government (particularly Department of
Housing) including assistance with informing decisions to purchase properties for housing and to
scope the feasibility of development. Since signing a memorandum of understanding with Coast2Bay
community housing provider, a strong working partnership has developed with very positive
prospects for community housing to be developed in the Shire. Council staff have also assisted
other not for profit organisations to identify prospects for crisis or community housing, either on land
already secured or by identifying potential properties known to be on the market. Some proposals
are understood to be advancing through planning and design stages. Strategic planners provide
planning advice regularly to anybody with a proposal for housing choice.

The Housing Strategy makes clear that Council will not become a direct housing provider but will
partner with community housing providers and other levels of government in the delivery of housing
by reviewing and making available suitable land holdings and other resources to facilitate delivery of
social and affordable housing. To this end, investigations on the potential dwelling yield and building
design have commenced for Council's carparks at Bottlebrush Avenue, Noosa Junction and Sidoni
Street and Doonella Street Tewantin. More immediately, progress has been made with the
investigation of Council's land at 62 Lake Macdonald Drive Cooroy which is subject of a separate
report to Council.

Update on State Legislative and Policy Reviews
The last 12 months has seen various initiatives at a State and Regional level pitched at addressing
the housing crisis. Some of these initiatives have had, or have potential to have, significance to
Noosa Shire.

In December 2022, the Planning Regulation 2017 was amended to provide for state-wide
consistency and support for small-scale rooming accommodation. As Noosa Plan 2020 already
made rooming accommodation of no more than 5 bedrooms and 5 residents acceptable subject to
requirements (self assessable), this change had the affect of making them accepted development.
At the same time regulation changes allowed Local Governments to make applications for a dwelling
house assessable development in the medium and high density residential zones - a change we had
advocated for since 2018.

In April 2023, the Planning (Inclusionary Zoning Strategy) Bill 2023 was introduced into the
Queensland parliament by the Member for South Brisbane, and referred to the State Development
and Regional Industries Committee for consideration. Council staff prepared and lodged a detailed
submission to this bill during the consultation period, supporting the intent but raising concerns about
likely functionality and consequences. The bill was not passed.

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                        11 DECEMBER 2023


In early August 2023 the Draft ShapingSEQ 2023 (draft regional plan) update was released for
community consultation. One of the primary drivers underpinning the amendment of the draft
regional plan was to ensure that the planning context was responsive to new growth projections,
effectively meaning that planning schemes and planning processes would not create barriers for
delivering more housing fast. Council staff prepared and lodged a robust submission to the draft
regional plan and have participated in many meetings with DSDILGP, SEQ Council of Mayors and
LGAQ on its content, especially population projections, dwelling supply and diversity targets.

In October 2023, Council staff prepared and lodged a Housing Supply Statement required by the
State. This showed that Noosa Shire can meet the dwelling targets within the published Draft
ShapingSEQ 2023 Update with neither expansion of the urban footprint nor significant departure
from existing policy in terms of the Low or Medium Density Residential zones. The final ShapingSEQ
2023 update is anticipated to be released in December with final dwelling targets.

Also in October 2023, the Housing Availability and Affordability (Planning and Other Legislation
Amendment) Bill 2023 was introduced into the Queensland parliament by the Deputy Premier and
was referred to the State Development and Regional Industries Committee for detailed
consideration. Council staff prepared and lodged a detailed submission to this bill and has followed
its progress. It will, amongst other things, create an alternative pathway for the delivery of affordable
housing, that of a "state facilitated application". Through this process, applications are assessed by
the State with Council and state agencies providing technical advice only. The process is considered
to be streamlined with limited appeal rights. The Committee has tabled its report recommending the
bill be passed and it is currently on Parliament's Notice Paper for 13 February 2024.

Next steps

Council awaits advice from the State that the proposed planning scheme amendments can be
publicly notified, and community consultation can commence. Considerable explanatory material is
being prepared to accompany the amendments when this occurs. It is anticipated this will be catalytic
for development applications to come forward including small dwellings and affordable
housing. Given the delay in obtaining State Interest sign off on these amendments, public
consultation on them will now occur in 2024.

In 2024 Council will carry out a comprehensive communication exercise with the community, drawing
on resources prepared by the State Government and local designers and on the expertise of
members of the Housing Stakeholder Reference Group and the broader housing and community
sectors. This will serve to improve understanding and appreciation for the need for greater housing
choice in the various community across the Shire, and to involve the community in the planning
process. It will address elements of local character, built form and density for each place.

A new Housing Partnerships Project Officer will take carriage of building and maintaining
collaborative partnerships with State and Federal government, Community Housing Providers and
the Building and Development Sectors to deliver social and affordable housing outcomes for Noosa
Shire, in line with the Noosa Housing Strategy. This will include securing funding sources wherever
possible.

Staff will be working collaboratively with the State Government and the LGAQ in finalising a Local
Housing Action Plan as required for a consistent State-wide approach.

Link to Corporate Plan

Theme No. 2. Liveability
This theme encompasses housing, facilities and services, transport, health and wellbeing to enable
an inclusive, connected and vibrant community.

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                     11 DECEMBER 2023



Objective 2.1 - Facilitate greater housing choice which meets the changing needs of the community,
improves liveability and affordability and includes partnering to increase provision of social and
affordable housing.


Performance measure - Increase in the amount of social and affordable housing in Noosa.

Previous Council Consideration
Ordinary Meeting 20 April 2023 Council resolved:
That Council note the confidential report by the Principal Strategic Planner to the General Committee
Meeting dated 17 April 2023 regarding the Tourist Accommodation zone review and:
   A. Propose to amend Noosa Plan 2020 in accordance with this report and Attachments, in
   accordance with Part 3 Division 2 of the Planning Act 2016;
   B. Submit proposed Amendments 2A to Noosa Plan 2020 to the Chief Executive, State
   Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning for the purpose of State Interest
   Review and request the Chief Executive of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government
   and Planning to consider the amendments as part of proposed Amendment 2 endorsed by
   Council on 31 January 2023 currently under review by the state, forming a single comprehensive
   amendment package;
   C. Authorise the CEO to make any further minor administrative changes necessary to proposed
   Amendment 2A to Noosa Plan 2020 for the purpose of State Interest Review;
   D. Note that following State Interest Review a report will be submitted to Council on proposed
   Amendments 2 and 2A to Noosa Plan 2020 which will form a single comprehensive amendment
   package, for endorsement for the purpose of community consultation and public notification.

Special Meeting 31 January 2023 Council resolved:
   A. That Council note the report on Proposed Amendments to Noosa Plan 2020 by the Strategic
      Planning team to the Special Meeting of 31 January 2023 and
   B. Propose to amend Noosa Plan 2020 in accordance with this report and Attachments 1 - 3, in
      accordance with Part 3 Division 2 of the Planning Act 2016; with the exception of the changes
      identified in Confidential Attachments to the Minutes as listed:
         i. Attachment 1 to the minutes
         ii. Attachment 2 to the minutes
         iii. Attachment 3 to the minutes
      C. Submit the proposed planning scheme amendments to the Chief Executive, State
      Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning for the purpose of State Interest
      Review;
      D. Authorise the CEO to make any further minor administrative changes necessary to the
      proposed amendments to the Noosa Plan 2020 ready for the Queensland State Interest
      Review;
      E. Note the proposed Communications Strategy and action plan Attachments 4 and 5; and
      F. Note that a further draft of the planning scheme will be presented to Council following the
      State Interest Review for the purpose of endorsement ready for community consultation and
      public notification.

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                     11 DECEMBER 2023


Special Meeting 4 November 2022 Council resolved:
That Council note the report by the Principal Strategic Planner to the Special Meeting dated 4
November 2022 and:
   A. Adopt the Housing Strategy as provided at Attachment 1;
   B. Note the community feedback on the draft Housing Strategy discussed in this report and in
      Attachment 2;
   C. Delegate the CEO to finalise an implementation plan with input from the Housing Stakeholder
      Reference Group;
   D. Support the campaign for the Mayor to write to all vacant and short term let property owners
      to consider putting their properties into the permanent rental market;
   E. With the assistance of the Housing Stakeholder Reference Group, commit to improving
      community understanding of local housing needs and housing programs.
   F. Authorise the CEO to make minor changes to the Housing Strategy prior to publishing on
      Councils website including amending Action A 6.4.1 on Page 16 of Attachment 1 to read;
      “Strengthen regulatory provisions in the Noosa Plan which will result in a greater delivery of
      small dwellings, accessible housing, affordable housing and social housing throughout the
      medium and high-density residential zones and within major centres. Initiate changes to the
      Planning Scheme to incorporate Inclusionary planning provisions and achieve this through
      mechanisms such as development bonuses and incentives such as increased developable
      floor area or one additional storey in larger centres”.
   G. Request the CEO to accelerate the comprehensive integrated transport and land use study
      of Noosa Shire to review the capacity of the road network and public transport system,
      particularly focussing on urban areas, having regard to the growth and development allowed
      for in the Noosa Plan, including amendments proposed to support greater housing choice.
Special Meeting 23 June 2022 Council resolved:
That Council note the report by the Principal Strategic Planner to the Special Meeting dated 23 June
2022 and
   A. Approve the Noosa Shire Draft Housing Strategy provided at Attachment 1 with the changes
   noted below, for the purpose of community engagement in accordance with the Consultation and
   Communications Plan provided at Attachment 2:
         i. That the wording in Section 6.4.4. be amended to read: “Partner with and advocate for
         owners of approved age care sites to encourage optimum outcomes and their timely
         development, providing such sites do not require the clearing of remnant vegetation.”
         ii. That the wording in Section 6.6.1. be amended to read: “Advocate to State Government
         for improved sustainability measures for all housing to provide all abilities access and to
         reduce energy consumption and costs to households, and to amend planning regulations
         to enable councils to set their own sustainability requirements in regard to the built form
         requirements of a Planning Scheme.”B. Seek Noosa Shire community feedback on the
         draft Housing Strategy for a period of 4 weeks, from 10 July 2022;
   C. Authorise the CEO to establish a Housing Reference Group to work with Council on the
   implementation of the Housing Strategy and a range of housing issues;
   D. Appoint Cr Stewart – Mayor and the following Councillors in rotating representation, as the
   elected representatives on the Housing Reference Group:
         i. Cr Stockwell (1 July 2022 to 31 Dec 2022);
         ii. Cr Finzel (1 January 2023 to 30 June 2023); and
         iii. Cr Lorentson (1 July 2023 to end of Council term); andE. Explore the feasibility of
         establishing a Community Land Trust in the Noosa Shire as a way of delivering affordable
         housing solutions, and report back to Council with recommendations.

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                     11 DECEMBER 2023



Ordinary Meeting Minutes 17 February 2022 council resolved:
That Council note the report by the Senior Strategic Planner to the General Committee Meeting
dated 14 February 2022 and agree to:
   A. Not proceed with any further investigation at 30 Toulambi Street for social or affordable
      housing;
   B. Resolve to amend the Noosa Plan 2020 by having 30 Toulambi Street included in the
      Environmental Management and Conservation Zone;
   C. Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer to finalise the details of a Memorandum of
      Understanding with Coast2Bay Housing Group to allow collaboration and investigations for
      social housing/affordable housing outcomes on Council owned land and other land or
      opportunities across the Shire.
   D. Invite the Federal Member for Wide Bay to a roundtable meeting to discuss the implications
      of the phase-out of the National Rental Assistance scheme.
   E. Prepare an updated Management Plan for Pinnaroo Park in accordance with the Noosa
      Bushland Reserve Strategic Management Plan and refer the consideration of this to the
      2022/2023 budget process.
   F. Acknowledge the commitment, dedication, local knowledge and years of volunteering work
      from the former Pinnaroo Park Community Bushland Care Group and adjacent residents who
      have assisted with management activities within the Reserve, including assisting with the
      control of environmentally damaging weed species, assisting with revegetation of denuded
      areas by planting local native species and for providing opportunities for community members
      to connect and become involved in the management of bushland values of the area.
Ordinary Meeting Minutes 16 December 2021 Council resolved:
That Council note the report by the Principal Strategic Planner to the General Committee Meeting
dated 13 December 2021 and
   A. Endorse the Housing Needs Assessment as attached to the report for the purpose of
      informing a Housing Strategy for Noosa Shire;
   B. Resolve to prepare amendments to the Noosa Plan to advance housing diversity and choice;
   C. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to commission detailed site investigations and scoping
      of opportunities and feasibility for the development of affordable housing on Council owned
      properties at:
        i. 30 Toulambi Street, Noosa Heads; and
        ii. 62 Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy.
  D. Refer the cost of undertaking these investigations estimated at $50,000 to budget review;
  E. Request the Chief Executive Officer of Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local
  Government and Planning to provide notice about the process to follow for making amendments
  to the Noosa Plan 2020, under Section 18(3) of the Planning Act 2016; and
  F. Advocate to the State Government:
        i. For a holistic review of all State property assets for their potential for short to medium
        term housing outcomes, including crisis housing, social housing and affordable housing;
        and
        ii. To work with Council to identify new opportunities for State housing investment in Noosa
        ShireG. That the Housing Needs Assessment and Housing Strategy further consider the
        specific housing needs for key workers and explore all opportunities for appropriately
        located accommodation types including analysis of whether the Industrial zones should
        provide for key worker accommodation.

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                      11 DECEMBER 2023



Ordinary Meeting Minutes 15 July 2021 Council resolved:
That Council acknowledges the current housing crisis is a priority issue for Council to address and
   A. Request the CEO to urgently provide a report to Council on the range of short, medium and
   long term options available to Council to address the shortage of housing availability for
   permanent residents in Noosa with the report to include consideration of the following:-
      i. details of what additional data and empirical research is required into the housing situation
      in Noosa;
      ii. details of the Ministerial condition for the Noosa Plan relating to short term accommodation
      and the timing for Council’s response to that condition; and
      iii. what interim policy responses may be available to the Council in respect of the impact of
      short term accommodation approvals upon available housing supply.
      iiii. commissioning a report by an independent specialist consultant into the housing situation
      in Noosa
      iv. the opportunities and potential impact associated with adopting a Temporary Local Planning
      Instrument, including to facilitate auxiliary dwelling units in appropriate locations;
      v. opportunities and potential impact of brokering community housing and emergency housing
      options on council and community land which targets the most affected demographic groups
      (e.g. hospitality workers, essential/key workers in the health industry and single women over
      50); and
      vi. potential policy positions that advocate for more state and federal government investment
      in housing in the shire.
   B. Note that Council at its Ordinary Meeting of 18 March 2021 resolved to “update the Noosa
   Council Housing Needs Assessment prepared by Briggs & Mortar Pty Ltd in 2017 with regard to
   the provisions of Noosa Plan 2020 and the local housing situation and trends” and that this review
   shall address the supply of housing for permanent residents, and the impact short term
   accommodation has on this supply and inform the assessment of future development applications
   for short term accommodation.
Ordinary Meeting 18 March 2021 Council resolved:
That Council note the report on Potential Amendments to Noosa Plan 2020 relating to Housing
Choice and Affordability by the Principal Strategic Planner to the Planning & Environment Committee
Meeting dated 9 March 2021 and
   A. Prepare amendments to Noosa Plan 2020 in line with the actions outlined in parts 2.1 to 12.1
      of the report, in accordance with Division 2 of the Planning Act 2016; and
   B. Update the Noosa Council Housing Needs Assessment prepared by Briggs & Mortar Pty Ltd
      in 2017 with regard to the provisions of Noosa Plan 2020 and the local housing situation and
      trends.
Ordinary Meeting Minutes 17 December 2020 Council resolved:
That Council note the Mayoral Minute provided to the Ordinary Meeting dated 17 December 2020,
and:
   A. Request the CEO to review existing Noosa Council land assets to determine if any such land
      would be appropriate for the development of social housing;
   B. Request the CEO to incorporate consideration of priority sector employee housing within the
      upcoming review of the Local Economic Plan;
   C. Request the CEO to bring forward a report to a future Council meeting identifying potential
      amendments to the planning scheme to accelerate the provision of suitable community
      housing;

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                         11 DECEMBER 2023


     D. Council continue to negotiate with State and Local community housing providers in the
        development of an economically efficient model to achieve a mix of public, social and private
        affordable accommodation within community housing developments; and
     E. Council continue to work closely with State Member Sandy Bolton and her Housing Action
        Group.


Finance
Implementation of the Housing Strategy has been budgeted for.
Risk & Opportunities
Council will not be able to solve the housing crisis, however the Housing Strategy is its commitment
to the community that it intends to be part of the housing solution and work collaboratively towards
an inclusive community where residents have safe housing. Given the social and economic impacts
of unmet housing needs to the Shire the risks of inaction are considerable.
Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
A Housing Stakeholder Reference Group helped inform the development of the Housing
Strategy. The community was consulted while it was in draft form. Since adoption there has been a
community forum and numerous media releases on the matter. Fact sheets have also been
produced and published. During 2024 there will be extensive community consultation around
housing choice and diversity, including on the proposed planning scheme amendments and the need
for infill development.
Internal Consultation
Departments consulted:

     Office of the CEO, Mayor &             Community Services            Corporate Services
             Councillors
        Mayor & Councillors                 Director                      Director
        Chief Executive Officer       X     Community Development         Financial Services
        Executive Officers                  Sport & Active Lifestyles     Fleet
        Community Engagement                Arts & Culture                Revenue Services
        People & Culture                    Community Connection          ICT
        Governance                          Customer Experience           Procurement

                                                                          Commercial Property

      Strategy & Environment              Development & Regulation       Infrastructure Services
 X      Director                            Director                      Director
 X      Strategic Land Use Planning         Development Assessment        Infrastructure      Planning,
                                                                          Design and Delivery
        Economic Development &              Local Laws                    Civil and Asset operations
        Destination Management
        Environmental Services              Environmental Health          Waste
        Innovation & Digital Hub            Building & Plumbing           Building & Facilities
                                            Property / Permits            Disaster Management