Industrial zones considered to house key workers

Some of Noosa’s Industrial zones could play a part in helping solve the worsening housing accommodation crisis for key workers.

At the final Ordinary Meeting of the year, councillors unanimously backed an amendment by Mayor Clare Stewart to explore all options and opportunities for where appropriate accommodation types could be located.

It’s part of a multi-pronged council resolution to address the ongoing crisis housing, social housing and affordable housing dilemma across the shire.

Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said everything needs to be on the table.

“We must do our due diligence to ensure we are looking at all potential ideas to find new housing options,” she said.

“This doesn’t mean it is going to happen, but councillors strongly support the idea of at least investigating whether it has merit as part of the wider strategy.”

Noosa like many coastal centres are feeling the impacts of key worker shortages, mainly due to unavailability of affordable housing and rental accommodation.

Noosa councillors are stepping up the pressure on the State Government, calling for an audit of all of the state’s housing stock in Noosa.

“We’re committing $50,000 to scope out and test options for council owned land, so we think the state should do the same,” she said.

Cr Stewart said council wanted to work with the Queensland Government to identify new opportunities for State housing investment in Noosa Shire.

“The state is a primary housing provider but we all have a part to play in tackling this issue,

“The pandemic has certainly heightened the need for better housing options for essential workers closer to their jobs and Industrial zones could potentially offer some options,” she said.

“We need to respond now,” Cr Stewart said.