This next term will see the ongoing work with the State, private industry and community housing providers come to fruition and deliver more dwellings for those on low to moderate incomes.
This involves new social/community housing dwellings close shops, services and transport in Tewantin and Cooroy, the continued increase in secondary dwellings being long-term rented, Housing Strategy actions that enable State to provide more dwellings on their land, incentives for private industry to provide social housing in new developments and the limiting of new STAs in all residential neighbourhoods.
All levels of government and industry need to work together to find community-specific solutions.
Noosa Council has been working with a multi-level Housing Reference Group involving State agencies, community housing providers, aged care providers, disability accommodation providers, support service providers and a past Executive Officer of National Shelter to provide shelter and support for homeless on a daily and long-term basis.
Over 90 people, including women and children who were living under canvas and tin in a camping ground outside Tewantin were assisted in moving to homes due to a collaborative multi-agency effort.
Any new parties interested in assisting homeless people are encouraged to make contact with these groups.
The new Noosa plan stopped the potential for all homes in low-density residential zones being converted to STA.
The 2022 Monitoring Report prepared for the Minister stated continued growth in use of dwellings for STA, particularly in designated residential zones and business centre zones, compromised housing for permanent residents, particularly key workers who support the tourism industry with labour, businesses and services.
Housing Strategy actions seek to further limit STAs in other residential areas and retain more dwellings for long-term residential use. Noosa Council was one of the first in the state to have a Housing Strategy and action plan. The goal is to provide quality dwellings for the community’s most vulnerable, close to services and transport, in safe, non-flood nor fire-prone locations.
You can read more about my stance on STAs on the Smart Development page.
