Four-week consultation to shape Council's housing strategy begins

From today, residents are urged to help shape Noosa Council’s new Draft Housing Strategy by answering a short survey either online or at pop-up stalls around town in July. 

Have your say and help shape the draft strategy, which is aimed at creating more social and affordable housing to address the shire’s worsening housing crisis.

The draft strategy is aimed at creating more social and affordable housing to address the shire’s worsening crisis, with input from residents and stakeholders vital to the process.

Acting Mayor Frank Wilkie said planning scheme changes, stronger advocacy, plus government and private sector housing partnerships were among the actions proposed.

“It’s not Council’s role to become a housing provider, but we must ensure we’re doing all we can within our local government remit to facilitate the creation of more affordable housing,” Cr Wilkie said.

“Possible actions include mandating new unit developments to contain a portion of social or affordable housing.

“It also proposes protecting existing residential areas for permanent residents and rentals against the proliferation of short-stay accommodation.

The draft also proposes an investigation into the use of Noosa Council sites at Cooroy and on land outside the urban footprint off Cooyar Street, Noosa Heads, for social housing, plus the role tiny homes might play in housing residents on public land.

“This strategy proposes actions for Council to help keep Noosa home for those who live here and are at risk of being squeezed out by the high cost and lack of housing.

“We’re being realistic. The range of draft solutions will look to house hundreds of residents rather than thousands.

“In order to ensure the strategy is as comprehensive as possible we need to hear from as many residents as possible. Whether you’re 18 or 89 your feedback is vital.”

Council needs community input to ensure the strategy addresses all aspects of the housing crisis.

Have a say, from today, via the online survey at Council's Your Say Noosa website.

Check out the Draft Housing Strategy display at the Noosa Libraries.

There will be a number of Q & A pop up sessions held at the Library displays throughout the engagement period. Details on these will be promoted once dates are confirmed. The consultation will run for four weeks.

As well as answer the survey, residents are urged to take a look at the draft housing strategy to understand the actions proposed.

“The finished strategy will give Council a clear plan to help address the housing crisis in our shire, while making sure we uphold the things that make Noosa an appealing place to live such as the character, look and feel of our towns and villages and our design principles,” Cr Wilkie said.

Visit Council's Your Say Noosa website.