Infrastructure needed to assist Noosa's growth targets

There are mixed results for Noosa Shire in the newly released SEQ Regional Plan 2023 (ShapingSEQ).

The plan outlines ambitious growth targets for the south-east, including an additional 5000 homes and 18,800 people by 2046 in Noosa Shire.

About 80 per cent of the new housing stock across Noosa will be low-rise within the existing urban footprint, which is positive news for the shire.

Under the new plan, secondary dwellings such as granny flats are now recognised as individual homes.

“These are outcomes strongly advocated for by Council and the Noosa community since the release of the draft plan and at recent public consultation workshops,” Cr Stewart said.

“Small modest comfortable dwellings within the current footprint will help Noosa retain its character while providing for sustainable growth.

“Our council is currently averaging about four secondary dwelling approvals a month.

“Given the projected growth for Noosa, investment in public transport options and infrastructure are still lacking and something that needs to be addressed by the State Government,” Cr Stewart said.

“We will continue to advocate for better public transport solutions, particularly to the Noosa Business Centre and to our hinterland.

“We acknowledge there is a need to grow as a shire responsibly, and it's important that the State Government continue to deliver infrastructure to support community and social needs.at the same time,” Cr Stewart said.

“We want to see a genuine commitment by the State Government to continue to listen to our community’s concerns and ensure solutions to achieve the housing targets are locally responsive, while respecting communities and their character,” the Mayor said. 

Under the plan, about five per cent of Noosa’s future housing will be medium rise, which covers buildings of four to eight storeys. That equates to less than 250 dwellings over the next 23 years.

Settlers Cove is a local example of medium-rise apartments.

Height limits continue to be set by the planning scheme and will not change because of the Regional Plan.

“We will continue to strongly protect the look and feel of Noosa to ensure low-rise buildings remain a part of our shire, and safeguard the planning controls needed to maintain our character and amenity,” Cr Stewart said.

The Regional Plan expands the urban footprint slightly at Cooroy to support future employment. This area seeks to address both a local and regional need for industrial land, well-located in proximity to existing industrial activities and the Bruce Highway.

Cr Stewart said considering the contents of the draft plan compared to the final plan, it’s clear the community’s advocacy has been heard.