A local council has reassured the community that any proposed changes to height restrictions for affordable and social housing will not harm the character or amenity of the shire.
Noosa Council’s newly endorsed Housing Strategy provides potential incentives to encourage investors to provide a greater delivery of accessible, social and affordable housing in areas with good access to public transport, employment and goods and services.
The changes reflect ongoing concern about housing shortages and the resulting housing stress and homelessness.
Read a related story: How a new strategy is expected to tackle the escalating housing crisis in Noosa
The inclusionary planning provisions in the Noosa strategy achieve solutions through mechanisms such as bonuses and incentives to increase the developable floor area or allow one additional storey in larger centres – such as Noosa Junction and the Noosa business centre.
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“It’s important to clarify that any proposed amendments aim to contain projects to certain areas in the shire, because, through the Housing Strategy consultation, the community supported locating more housing in centres where services and transport are provided,” Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said.
“Feedback from our housing strategy also confirmed that the community support council playing a role in social, affordable and worker accommodation, but not at the expense of our environment, open spaces and green areas.”
Cr Stewart said the 2021-22 Annual Report highlighted that the council had expanded the conservation estate in Noosa to nearly 41 per cent of the shire. This is up from 34.75 per cent in 2018.
“Similarly, any potential relaxation of height limits for additional one storey will only occur where social and affordable housing outcomes are being delivered and strict guidelines being adhered to,” she said.
Parts of Noosa Junction and Noosa Business Centre are currently limited to three storeys.
In Tewantin, the height limit is two storeys, however there is one site on the northern side of Doonella Street that could potentially go to three storeys, if it provides for social and affordable housing.
“There are absolutely no plans in this strategy to have four storeys anywhere in the Tewantin Business Centre,” she said.
Cr Stewart said council remained committed to protecting the current height limits in the new Noosa Plan outside these areas.
“There are strict building heights for different areas across the shire, which have been in place for many years and these remain non-negotiable,” she explained.
“All councillors are committed to maintaining the look and feel and protecting Noosa’s heritage, character and what makes Noosa different by nature.
“Any changes will include community consultation and that too is non-negotiable and is required under the Planning Act.”
The Noosa Housing Strategy is a landmark document aimed to facilitate greater choice in accommodation and improve housing affordability in Noosa.
The Mayor and Director of Environment and Sustainable Development Kim Rawlings had a meeting with Deputy Premier Steven Miles last week, where the latter applauded Noosa Council for its proactive approach to tackling the affordable housing crisis.
“Minister Miles was extremely positive about what we are doing as a council, and the initiatives we are implementing to address the current situation,” Cr Stewart said.
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Meantime, a Sunshine Coast housing analyst who is pushing for ongoing united community action to address housing stress, is urging community members to “spend 15 seconds” to sign up to help raise public awareness of the housing crisis.
Mal Cayley, of Direct Collective, has launched the Homes for Everyone website to help inform and motivate the community about the issue.
To sign up to the Homes for Everyone supporters list, click here.
“We need strength in numbers to show the politicians and decision-makers that we want to end homelessness and the rental crisis. It affects all of us,” Mr Cayley said.
“We’ll keep you updated with our progress, but we certainly won’t be marketing to you.”
Mr Cayley has previously revealed that, by his calculations, the Sunshine Coast is at least 8000 houses short, with 5500 of those needed for our desperate rental sector.
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