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

18. Improvements to the Planning Scheme
Whilst Noosa Plan 2020 is a relatively new planning scheme, significant changes in the housing
market have occurred and further issues have arisen regarding short-term accommodation since its
preparation and commencement, warranting amendment to assist in facilitating better housing
outcomes. The following potential amendments or further investigations have been identified.
18.1         Definitions
There would be benefit in including administrative definitions for Social Housing, Community Housing
and Public Housing within Schedule 1 of the Noosa Plan


18.2         Short-term accommodation in medium and high density residential
             zones
Existing multi-residential development in the medium and high density residential zones has existing
approvals that allow for its use as visitor or short-term accommodation to continue. The purpose of
Noosa Plan 2020 is to regulate future development and does not need to retrospectively
accommodate past uses or approvals.
The limited opportunities for new development or redevelopment in the medium and high density
residential zones, highlights the importance that new development should be for permanent
dwellings at the exclusion of additional short-term accommodation. Land is already set aside for
visitor accommodation in the Tourist Accommodation zone and it is not considered there is need to
further dedicate land for this purpose.


18.3         Further residential units in or surrounding centres and employment
             hubs
Council can continue to investigate opportunities for additional small dwellings for permanent
residents, particularly key workers close to activity centres or larger employment hubs, such as the
following locations.
18.3.1           Social Housing requirements for Major Centres
In the preparation of Noosa Plan 2020, Council sought to require a component of social housing in
the development of high density residential units at Noosa Junction and the Noosa Business Centre.
This proposal was not accepted as drafted at the time by the Planning Minister.
The Queensland Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2021-2025 highlights the need to use
various State planning and economic development tools to deliver social and affordable housing. It
specifically flags the introduction of inclusionary planning requirements and mandating of social and
affordable housing in major developments. The sites in question adjacent major centres offer the
best potential for a significant number of affordable units.
For inclusionary zoning to be an acceptable practice it is likely to need support in State Planning
legislation and support of the State Government more generally. Council could, on its own or
combined with other Councils, advocate for the introduction of inclusionary zoning within the
Queensland planning system.
         There are good examples of inclusionary planning operating in other states. The Community
         Housing Industry Association Victoria and the Municipal Association Victoria have prepared
         a toolkit to assist local government land use planners successfully undertake Affordable
         Housing negotiations.




Noosa Housing Needs Assessment 2021                                                        Page 132