2021-12-13 GC Agenda - Item 8 -Attachment 1 - Housing Needs Assessment

1. Introduction
1.1         Prior Housing Needs Assessment
In 2016-2017 a Housing Needs Assessment for Noosa Shire was prepared by Briggs & Mortar to
inform the preparation of a new planning scheme, in accordance with the requirements of the
Queensland State Planning Policy – State Interest Guideline, Housing Supply and Diversity, 2016.
The project aims as outlined by Council were to:
•     Provide a clear understanding of Noosa Shire’s current housing situation and trends and
      project housing needs into the future including those for specific groups (e.g. older people);
•     Review competing interests between permanent residents and short-term visitors for housing
      stock;
•     Inform policy aimed at addressing housing needs shortages and improving housing choice
      within the Shire.
In 2016 it was apparent that as a highly sought after and affluent coastal location, market conditions
had favoured the development of particularly large, low density and bespoke dwellings in many parts
of Noosa Shire where the focus was on lifestyle and amenity. As a consequence, Noosa Shire saw
various housing issues emerge including:
•     Housing affordability, especially for low income households and key workers;
•     A lack of accessible or adaptable housing for older people and people with special needs;
•     A mismatch of housing size and household size (albeit some may be by choice or
      circumstance);
•     A shortage of affordable and appropriate aged accommodation;
•     A lack of housing diversity, and particularly smaller dwellings;
•     Low levels of social and emergency housing;
•     Conflict between holiday makers and permanent residents.
This study informed Noosa Plan 2020 with the aim of addressing these issues to the extent possible
through land use planning.
Since the commencement of Noosa Plan 2020, circumstances in the local and broader national
housing market changed significantly, in part because of fiscal policy, interest rates and the impacts
of the COVID19 pandemic. In 2021 home ownership and affordable rental accommodation eludes
many low to moderate income earners, having an impact on the social and economic composition
and functioning of the Shire.
This report seeks to update the findings of the Briggs and Mortar report, and inform future local
policy, including planning scheme amendments.
1.2         Purpose of this Report
The purpose of this report is to present the facts and figures of the local housing market and to lay
bare the level of unmet housing need in Noosa Shire, now and into the future. The Housing Needs
Assessment accords with the requirements of the Queensland State Planning Policy in relation to
housing supply and diversity.
The State Interest Statement on Housing Supply and Diversity is: Diverse, accessible and well-
serviced housing, and land for housing, is provided and supports affordable housing outcomes.
One of the State Interest policies to be advanced in local planning schemes is that the development
of residential land is facilitated to address and cater for all groups in the current and projected



Noosa Housing Needs Assessment 2021                                                            Page 9