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

7. Noosa Plan 2020
Noosa Plan 2020 commenced on 31 July 2020. It was prepared by Noosa Council and informed by
long term policy, emerging best practice and extensive community input. The planning scheme was
prepared according to the Planning Act 2016, Planning Regulation 2017 and the Minister’s
Guidelines and Rules. In terms of structure and content it generally follows a template produced by
the State government to enhance consistency within planning schemes across the State.
The findings and recommendations of the 2017 Briggs & Mortar Housing Needs Assessment
informed Noosa Plan 2020 which was first drafted in 2018. State interest reviews, legal advice and
community and industry feedback further shaped the Plan to the final version adopted in 2020.


7.1        Strategic Framework
The Strategic Framework (Part 3) of the Plan acknowledges that one of the key challenges to focus
on is diversity in housing choice to provide suitable residential accommodation for low income
earners, key workers and elderly people.
One of the Strategic Intents of the Plan focusses on 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 mixed-use 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 Housing Needs Assessment 2021                                                         Page 54